Hello, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am back home and hopefully cured. Dr Bajaj ran the endoscope and dilated my stoma, he said he was pretty sure that was the problem and why I had not been able to eat or drink anything and also why it would come back up. The hole was too small to let much down. Hopefully everything will be better now. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. You all take care! Love-Christy Wells :)
We rolled in the floor with laughter when our co-worker told us about the following. ENJOY!
Darleen
It is with the saddest heart I pass on the following:
You know, some of us will endure a lot all in the name of fishing And
Love. But this one is about fishing. After I sent the post from the
mobile command post to the group last night, I did indeed call it a day
and curled up next to Joy's, well..., her.... warm backside and drifted
off to sleep like a baby in it's Mother's arms.
Now, the fact that I was:
A: Comfortable, sleeping in a motel bed
and...
B: Comfortable, sleeping in a bed half the size of my normal nocturnal
lair
was really amazing to me. So I was somewhat surprised when I was
awakened at 4:am by what sounded like a fog horn. After some groggy
checking to make sure it wasn't the fire alarm, I realized it was ME! I
was venting enough gas from both ends to inflate an emergency liferaft
for 12. We ate at P.F. Changs last night and I had my usual which
normally doesn't bother me at all. After a "pit stop" in the bathroom,
more out of courtesy than necessity not wanting to wake Joy up while I
was tooting my horn, I got back in the bed, out like a light.
About 30 minutes later I was awakened by what I certainly thought was
Joy praticing her punting technique and she was using my stomach as the
football. PAIN, nausea, cramps, gas, cold sweats, faintness, dizzyness
all came upon me at the same time wave after wave. I thought I was
going to die! I'll leave out the nasty stuff, and just say at 5:45am, I
was so tired, I crawled back into the bed and really didn't care if it
was over or not.
She got me up at 7:am and as soon as I stood up, it started all over
again! 10 minutes and a lot of horn blowing later, it seemed to be over
again. But I had to take her to her seminar, and then I had to meet Wes
at OM for a day of Bass Hunting at 8AM! No way dude, sorry.
As I drove back to the love shack, another wave attacked me from
behind. I realized the cars behind me were serious about getting where
they were going when they start honking at me to GO! I called Wes,
really was hoping Barkley would answer so I could get him to break the
bad news to Wes, but no, I got Mr. Sunshine himeself. I swear, I have
never heard anyone sound so, so, so....HAPPY at 7:30 in the morning. I
told him I was sick, and I really didn't feel like trying for the State
bait record today. But the more I talked, the better I felt. So I told
him I was heading back for a quckie shower, and I'd meet him at OM.
I got there moments before he did and he caught me trying to give the
lady at the entrance a hard time. Actually, I was trying to talk her
into pulling a gag on him and checking his minnows for an OMSP tax
stamp, but again, I was a day late and a dollar short. We
loaded/launched the boat without mishap (YES, I checked the drain plugs
this time), and were fishing within about 10 minutes. He drew "first
blood" and caught a small bass, but it jumped off before he got it into
the boat. But it was looking promising! 3 hours later, and I was
feeling like an "Ozone Hole Test Dummy", he caught and boated the first
"official" fish of the day. We had cruised past what looked like a
"sanitary sewer" hose that someone had thrown out into the lake and I
told him that that was where all the fish were hiding. He cast a
cricket up into the middle and almost instantly his float was gone. He
reeled back a bream that was about the size of the spinner bait I was
using. See the below pictures.
The rest of the day was pretty much a wash too. But we had fun, had
time to talk (about Ronner), and I only had to "p" while standing in the
boat once! At least my stomach behaved. I am heading to the shower
NOW, as the copious amounts of SPF 30 that were applied in a valent
effort to keep my exposed skin from turning into the contents of a bag
of Golden Flake Pork Rinds on my exposed areas is starting to run down
my legs. Don't forget to look at the pictures below so you can see
"Killer"!
Tim.
Hey all!!
Finally!! After a couple of months I have a date! June 6 is my big
day!! I can NOT wait....I am sooo excited :))))))
HUGS to all
Melissa
Well is getting close to WLS time many of you posties know how busy
you get so I wanted to thank a few of you. I have learned alot here
and certianly made so many great friends here. I love all of you. I
am really scared I will leave someone out. It sounds like I am
getting an academy award lol. Actually it is better than an academy
award. So here goes.
Thanks Laura, Kristy, Rona, Debbie, Wes, Lisa, Tony,Pam, Lori, Kathy,
Chan, Avis, Connie, Christy, Nancy, Peggins, Granmaw Peg, Michelle,
Joy, Tim, Chris, Kristen, Karen, Kim, Lisa, Terri, Wade, Rodney,
Mickey, Ruby, Sandy, Terri H, Twila, Lynda,Sandra, Lynn, Darlene,
Christine, and yes Robin I did not forget your scar lol. Plese
forgive me if I forgot anyone just attribute it to pre-op jitters.
Thanks for all you messages info and notes of encouragement. For all
you new members and pre-op's I hope I can be here for you like these
have been here for me. Thanks guys and gals I really appreciate each
and everyone of you.
5 days till bowel prep.
Mule
Dave Odom
As most of you know, the ever shrinking Joy and I are again off on one
of our little get-away excursions. Oh nowhere exotic (allthough the
wine and the Jaccuzi help), and not even out of town. Matter of fact,
me and the trusty old IBM Thinkpad are typing away as I sit in our hotel
room at the Homestead Suites at 280 and I-459 while Joy is doing a
bang-up imitation of "Sleeping Beauty". She has an all day course at
the Marriot to attend tomorrow (Thur) and she said that I had to take
her fishing today so I could "earn" the priviledge of going fishing with
Wes tomorrow. So a fishing we went! You don't have to ask me twice.
We went to Lake Purdy (LP) and had intended to rent one of their "sho
nuff" fishing boats this time so we had a comparrison to the pontoon
boat we rented there a couple of weeks ago. Since we were getting a
real fishing boat (motor/trolling motor/fish finder/real seats/live
well/anchor/etc) I took nothing but some rods, my fish finder (since the
one on the poontoon boat didn't work) and a tackle box. Big mistake!
About the only thing that compared to the poontoon boat was the price!
$85.00 was the rental rate, but since we left a $100 bill there the last
time we were there, I passed on the "bass boat" and we opted a slightly
less expensive boat. We got one of the new, wide transom Jon boats with
a motor. And even then it was still $50.00! He "cut us a sprout" and
let us have it for $42.00 since the boss wasn't there, but still, $42.00
sucks anyway you look at it, and I had no trolling motor/anchor to
boot. We had a good time anyway! I took Joy to the mouth of the purdy
lake so she could see the wonder for herself. Actually, LP is the
culmination of the entire watershed area from LP east, to about Moody or
so. We got back to where the different feeder creeks enter the one main
incoming flow. We got to see a huge beaver den, quite a few big birds,
had both a water mocosin and a huge turtle swim beside the boat making
us feel like Steve and Terry Irwin. All we needed was a Sui dog.
Speaking of dogs... Matt our youngest son, brought home our new house
dawg the other day. His name is Remington, and he's a Burmese Mountain
dog. Only 6 weeks old, his paws are already the size of tennis balls!
If you want a quick stock tip, invest in Purina Puppy Chow, Large Breed
cause I got a feeling I'm going to need a ton of it!
Back to fishing... Our first wildlife encounter was a baby deer wading
through the shallows (pictures at bottom). Lot's of sun too. I sprayed
enough SPF 30 all over my body to make the Exxon Valdeze jelous.
Final Fishing Score:
Tim 2
Joy 0
And I will add that both of mine were Bream (best used as cut bait), and
the hook on my digital scale was to large to fit in their mouths. We
saw (electronically) about 5 times more fish at LP than at Oak Mountain
(OM). And since it's 2:30am and I have to meet Wes at OM in the morning
at 8:am, and Joy has to be at the Marriot at 7:am, I'd better quit
typing and start sleeping. Nighty Night!
Tim.
I know there are several of our group members that are in wheelchairs
that I have met personally, but I am sure there are more that I haven't
met. And for those whom have mobility issues, I pass along the
following hog hunt information that I received from another group/mail
list that I belong to. If you know anyone that is mobility impaired and
would like to try his/her hand at a hunting trip, please pass along the
information. Thanks!
Tim.
Joy and I are heading off for a quickie micro-vacation for the next
couple of days, so I thought I'd depart with a giggle. Number's 4 and
25 are definitely mine!
Tim.
The Differential Theory of US Armed Forces (Snake Model) upon
encountering a snake in the Area of Operations (AO)
1. Infantry: Snake smells them, leaves area.
2. Airborne: Lands on and kills the snake.
3. Armor: Runs over snake, laughs, and looks for more snakes.
4. Aviation: Has Global Positioning Satellite coordinates to snake.
Can't find snake. Returns to base for refuel, crew rest and manicure.
5. Ranger: Plays with snake, then eats it.
6. Field Artillery: Kills snake with massive Time On Target barrage
with three Forward Artillery Brigades in support. Kills several hundred
civilians as unavoidable collateral damage. Mission is considered a
success and all participants (i.e., cooks, mechanics and clerks) are
awarded Silver Stars.
7. Special Forces: Makes contact with snake, ignores all State
Department directives and Theater Commander Rules of Engagement by
building rapport with the snake and winning its heart and mind Trains
it to kill other snakes. Files enormous travel settlement upon return.
8. Combat Engineer: Studies snake. Prepares in-depth doctrinal thesis
in obscure 5 series Field Manual about how to defeat snake using counter
mobility assets. Complains that maneuver forces don't understand how to
properly conduct doctrinal counter-snake ops.
9. Navy SEAL: Expends all ammunition and calls for naval gunfire
support in failed attempt to kill snake. Snake bites SEAL and retreats
to safety. Hollywood makes fantasy film in which SEALS kill Muslim
extremist snakes.
10. Navy: Fires off 50 cruise missiles from various types of ships,
kills snake and makes presentation to Senate Appropriations Committee
on how Naval forces are the most cost-effective means of anti-snake
force projection.
11. Marine: Kills snake by accident while looking for souvenirs. Local
civilians demand removal of all US forces from Area of Operations.
12. Marine Recon: Follows snake, gets lost.
13. Combat Controllers: Guides snake elsewhere.
14. Para-Rescue Jumper: Wounds snake in initial encounter, then works
feverishly to save snake's life.
15. Supply: (NOTICE: Your anti-snake equipment is on back order.)
16. Transport pilot: Receives call for anti-snake equipment, and
delivers two weeks after due date.
17. F-15 pilot: Misidentifies snake as enemy Mil-24 Hind helicopter
and engages with missiles. Crew chief paints snake kill on aircraft.
18. F-16 pilot: Finds snake, drops two CBU-87 cluster bombs, and
misses snake target, but gets direct hit on Embassy 100 KM East of
snake due to weather (Too Hot also Too Cold, Was Clear but too overcast,
Too dry with Rain, Unlimited ceiling with low cloud cover etc...) Claims
that purchasing multimillion dollar, high-tech snake-killing device
will enable it in the future to kill all snakes and achieve a
revolution in military affairs.
19. AH-64 Apache pilot: Unable to locate snake, snakes don't show well
on infrared. Infrared only operable in desert AO's without power lines
or SAM's.
20. HH-53 Jolly Green pilot: Finds snake on fourth pass after snake
builds bonfire, pops smoke, lays out flares to mark Landing Zone. Rotor
wash blows snake into fire.
21. B-52 pilot: Pulls ARCLIGHT mission on snake, kills snake and every
other living thing within two miles of target.
22. Missile crew: Lays in target coordinates to snake in 20 seconds,
but can't receive authorization from National Command Authority to use
nuclear weapons.
23. Intelligence officer: Snake? What snake? Only four of 35
indicators of snake activity are currently active. We assess the
potential for snake activity as LOW.
24. Judge Advocate General (JAG): Snake declines to bite, citing
professional courtesy.
25. Military Police: Handcuffs snake's head to its tail, reads it its
Miranda rights, then proceeds to beat snake to a pulp with night stick.
I went to my PCP today for a checkup and to talk to her
about WLS. I had never seen her before, since my old
doctor left and she had taken over her patients.
Anyway, this doctor was all for it and thinks I would
make a good candidate! She is going to write me a
letter, which I think will really help with the
insurance covering it. She has several patients who
have had it that have done well. The girl in the lab
who drew my blood also had it a year ago and has lost
127 lbs.!!! We talked a lot about it, and she even
showed me her scar!!!!
I was so pleased that this doctor was supportive of my
decision and so encouraging.
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Hello, I just wanted to let everyone know that Dr Miles thought I should come back tomorrow and have a few tests done to see what exactly is going on. I am sure I will be fine, and I will let you all know what I find out. Thanks!
Love to all, Christy :)
Please everyone, pray for Christy. I got an email from her today
around noon saying that she was on her way back to see Dr. Miles.
She has been throwing up everything, so I believe she said they will
be checking for a leak or some blockage. She stated "I hope they
don't keep me". So, please, let's all join together and lift her up
in our prayers.
Regarding Shelby....I did not get to see her last night. I called
her room and spoke with her daughter around 7:30 pm. The daughter
said she didn't think Shelby was feeling up to a visitor....so I
thought I would wait until today to go see her. I haven't heard
from her, but I feel sure she's feeling much better today! I know I
probably won't be up to visitors either at first!
Take care all,
Connie
Hey Everybody!
Boy have I been busy! I'm sorry I haven't been in touch! I've been a moving,
traveling maniac! Two and a half weeks ago I went to Tijuana for a WLS seminar.
I got back and jumped headfirst into moving my office to a WONDERFUL new and
bigger space on the 1st floor. In the middle of moving my office Wade and I
also moved into a new apartment on Southside (this was a mid-life crisis move
and we're LOVING it!) Then, in the middle of all this madness I went to
Portland, Oregon for 3 days to speak at a conference about weight loss surgery.
While I was gone to Portland our oldest son moved into his very first apartment.
Now that I'm back I have 7 days to finish up everything at our old house and our
new house before I have my big surgery. WHEW! I'm going to have to be off for
6 weeks just to recover from my hectic life! Hopefully I can recover from my
surgery during this time too because as soon as my 6 weeks are up I'll be
leaving for a week in Las Vegas for a Bariatric Conference. WOW! Life is busy
and good. I haven't forgotten you guys! Please say a little prayer for me on
next week on the 15th when I have my surgery. I'm enjoying reading all your
posts and keeping up with all the excitement of your journeys. Take care and
I'll see you all real soon.
Love,
Rona
Your Bari-Godmother
#2 Red Tornado
Hi!!!
I talked with Shelby's daughter around 2:30 and she said she was doing good.. Just really sore..And they gave her somethng to help her rest!!!!! Dr. Miles was able to the Lap!!!! She is in room 655or 665 yikes I cant remember............ Anyways I hope this helps
kristy
Rona,
Hey sweetie!!!
Just checking to see how you were??? I hope fine and good!!!!!!! I hear you've been gone on a trip!!! ANother one huh,,, Bless your traveling bones!!!!!! Soon you will have to rest huh... ANyways take care and know that im thinking of you --- Love ya Kristy
Thanks for all you do for everyone!!!!!!!
Hi Guys, I am still feeling sooooooo good. I had my post-
op visit with Dr. Clements yesterday at UAB and all went
well. I have lost 7% of my body fat. That sounds cool
doesn't it? In our language that was 25 pounds. The
Doctor was running late so I got to visit with some
really nice ladies that I invited to join our support
group. I am hoping they will join in the fun with us. We
all need each other so much. I know my life has been
ever changed by all the love I have received from all of
you. I am looking forward to the next meeting, they seem
so far apart. Anyway, I love you all. Peggins 4-18-02;
-24 lbs
Hello everyone, Happy Monday!!!
I have a milestone to report, it is small to most but
HUGE to me. I went to Sam's today, bought two XL
tee-shirts and an XL Camisole/shorts pagama set. Need
I tell any of you how long it has been since I could
by anything below 3x and the 3x's often weren't big
enough. I have NEVER been able to by ANY article of
clothing at Sam's in my size-NEVER!!!! This was huge
for me. I have been running around in my xl shirt
staring in every mirror I pass. LOL
Have a great week all!
Love,
Joy
-65lbs, lap rny 12/10/01
Dr. Miles (the BEST!) MCE
I'm cleaning off my bookshelves and have two books to
give away to anyone who is interested in them. One is
"Type II Diabetes: A Healthy Guide to Living" and the
other is "Exchanges for All Occasions", which is an
excellent source of information for diabetics.
Let me know if you're interested and I'll bring them to
the support meeting or mail them to you.
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
WEll gang I am finally post pre op lol. Went had my test today with
Doc Miles My class with Rona and Debie tonite.
Doc said he thinks he can do my surgery lap. OH YES!!! of course
there is always a possibility that will be open. I am very calm I am
very excited at the same time and I know it does not make sense
Mule May 14th
Dave
Hi All,
I was going to let everyone know my surgery time is @ 7:00 in the morning. I can't believe it !!! Please keep my family and me in your prayers.( oh yeah and Dr. Miles too) LOL
Thanks for everything,
Shelby
Hi, and welcome! This email below came through a few days ago and I saved it for when I crave food after my surgery. Hope it helps you, too. ~Sandy
Christy Wells <cwells96@...
OK, I just had to reply to this one! I thought very little about this before surgery. But a few weeks after surgery when I was feeling back to normal, it did upset me that I couldnt go back to eating something other than soup, potatoes, etc. And I hated to cook for my family because I would do all this work, then 2 bites later and I was stuffed! Which is a blessing! But, I didnt know how much I depended on food! My husband would come home and find me in tears! I have mourned food like my best friend had died. Food was my best friend and worst enemy at the same time! And let me tell you if it werent for a few of the wonderful friends I have here that have been there and done this, and helped me through it and reminded me that things would get better, I dont know what I would have done! This is mostly why I havent posted more since surgery. I didnt want to send out a negative vibe to the group about surgery. Trust me, I havent regretted my surgery for one second. But, I have
prayed every day and night for the difficult part to pass a little more quickly and if that wasnt possible, for God to give me the strength to get through it! And I am proud to say that it is getting better. I have been craving a salad since surgery and this week I have been able to eat some. Of course I chew it to mush, but it tastes even better than I remember! :) I wish all of you the best, and as far as my surgery. I couldnt have asked for anything to go any better! Dr Miles is the best! And I just felt like I had done a few too many sit-ups. And please believe them when they say get up and walk as soon as you can, and as often as you can. It helps more than the morphine shots! (Which I think I only had 1 or 2)
Anyway, I am feeling much better this week, so you can expect to hear from me more, and if any of you need anything... have any questions, or just need to talk, I am just an e-mail away!
Take care and I will post again soon!
Love to all, Christy Wells
-45 lbs Since 3-18-02
Dr Miles @ MCE :)
Hello all my new buds. I have a friend that is having surgery this
morning at Shelby Medical (weight loss surgery). Please keep him in
your prayers. His name is Craig Carr. I had not seen him in over 12
years and I saw his name on obesityhelp line. Is that not amazing.
Anyway he is a real neat person. I spoke to his wife this morning and
she said he was very nervous.
Mickie
Hey! I just joined the e-group. I was in the March meeting and
announced I had received insurance denial. Well I went round and
round with BCBS and had surgery April 30th at Carraway. Now, I am
not hungry just missing food. Any advice. No regrets, just missing
food.
Wendy
OK all you gang I won't be there till the 14th when I will be getting
carved on so don't Ya'll cause to much of a comotion.
Chan I am sorry about your date but also Glad Doc wants you as
healthy as can be. Take it from someone who has waited 6 months. You
will get there.
THe days seem to be going pretty fast. I am excited and the
nervousness seems to be fading.
Mule May 14th
Dave
I'm thinking that maybe what they really want is just a letter from your doctor stating you have tried (x, y and z) at these dates (1, 2 and 3), and your weight was approximately (thus and such) before and after each attempt. I think the documentation you are getting about WW and also just any weight recordings by any medical establishment would back up what you state about your history. Maybe your doctor's letter could say 'She has been under my care since (date) and her weights have consistently been in the range of (x), despite her reports of having tried WW on (dates). If you haven't seen the same doc for a year, you could get same info from past docs. If the doc EVER mentioned you need to lose weight and weighed you, and then weighed you again at follow ups, then (s)he might be comfy writing a letter like this. Just an idea. Oh, and on the thing about your husband, my hubby has surprised me with a few negative comments. We have a very close relationship and we
talk about most everything, so his sudden negative attitude threw me off. I asked him how he felt about WLS, and he said he was afraid for me to take the risk. Someone else I think has mentioned that already on the list, but I wanted to back up what was said. Ironically I think it is their care for us and worry about us (fear) that causes odd remarks to come at us. Your hubby might not realize it himself yet, though. It took a while to dig it out of my hubby. ~Sandy
"Karen G." <want2bslim@...
Sandy, I'm down in the dumps, too, so I can relate.
Someone told me yesterday that my insurance is going to
require proof of a doctor supervised diet WITHIN THE
PAST YEAR before they will approve surgery. I called
Blue Cross and they tell me it's two years. The
doctor's office tells me that's not true. I am already
totally frustrated with this insurance mess, and I
haven't even had my initial consult yet!!!!!
I made an appointment for next week to see my PCP. I'm
hoping to enlist her support and get her to write a
letter recommending surgery for me. I work for the
state, and we have a program where the state pays for
WW (or a portion of it) for you. I contacted that
office today to get proof of how many times I've tried
WW since they've been doing that.
My husband is totally supportive but, the other day
when I was talking about the importance of protein
after surgery, he said, "Well, why don't you just go on
Atkins to lose your weight?" YEAH, RIGHT!!!!!! I have
this need or drive to eat, eat, eat--if I could control
it, I wouldn't feel the need to have surgery.
While I'm waiting for surgery, I have tried to make
small changes to help me with the changes I will have
to make after surgery. One thing I've been trying to
do is to eat slower and chew my food thoroughly. I'm
so used to gulping half-chewed food, and this is
something that I will have to change after surgery.
Why not do things like that and concentrate on making
small changes to improve yourself while waiting?
Starting an exercise program might help. If you're not
able to walk, check into water aerobics. That's what
I've been doing for the past year. I haven't lost
weight, but I've toned my muscles and it's a wonderful
stress reliever. Get your ducks in a row as far as
your medical records. Get dental work done that you
need done, things like that.
Hope these ideas help! If you need to talk, feel free
to e-mail me!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
What a good idea! Since I'm a college student, that might help, too. I was on VR years ago for a heart problem that resolved itself. They do so much to help people. I went for disability a couple years ago but I got better and withdrew my application, and now I'm back in college. If my liver gets worse, that is definitely an option, and one I didn't even think about. THANKS! ~Sandy
"Karen G." <want2bslim@...
Sandy, I was reading someone's profile on
obesityhelp.com and she said that insurance denied her.
She was close to having to quit work and go on
disability and Vocational Rehabilitation paid for her
surgery. Have you checked into that?
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
I am pre-op. I think that I already may have dumping syndrome. When I eat something very sweet, like a huge piece of cake, I have to run to the bathroom to keep from having an accident, and I get sweaty. I've never checked my blood pressure or anything at those times. I've lived with it for so long that I've gotten used to it. Some weeks are bad for it, and others I don't have it at all. Of course it could be some other thing go on. I suppose that if I really do have dumping syndrome already, that I'll have to be extra careful post-op. I've been diabetic since @ 1990, and I read in a diabetes book that dumping syndrome often happens in diabetics with nerve damage. Guess I'm just thinking out loud! OK--this next thing is off topic. I have two parakeets. I have a blue one that I've only had a few weeks, and he does the cutest thing. I have a ladder in the cage. When he sleeps at night he lays his head on the next step up and uses it like a pillow. Most birds
tuck their head into their wings. It's just cute. First time I saw it I thought he was sick, but he's just different. ~Sandy
I want to thank all of you who responded to my insurance issues both on list and by private mail. And also, I thank all of you for your encouraging notes!!! I felt HUGGED, and I needed that. I think it was Joy who went into detail about insurance coverage and that is helpful. And those of you who are in the same spot as me who wrote helped me to feel less isolated. And I appreciate those of you who said some prayers for me. They must have worked because I'm calm, collected and relaxed. And thanks, too, for encouraging me to go ahead and start working on my health now! That is an excellent idea. The worst that could happen is I would lose too much weight for the surgery, and I wouldn't mind that at all :). I've started looking at the different hospitals I can end up working for and at interviews I have asked them about insurance coverage issues, and it looks like I may have found a place that will waive pre-existing conditions and consider WLS. All of your comments
ARE SO VERY HELPFUL!!!! I interviewed with Brookwood today and asked them if they do bariatric surgery, and the answer is they are working on starting up a program, and it is a priority for them. I guess that's about it for now. I decided to sum it all up in one email, and I hope that's OK. I feel deep appreciation and even friendship here!
Hugs! ~Sandy
Mule,
Where do you live?
Shelby
Speaking of this, my daughter had her senior prom
tonight. She was a nervous wreck all day! By the end
of the day, so was I!
I can't believe she's going to be graduating in a few weeks!!!!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Thanks Pop Tart for the wonderful words of encouragement. I went and did all my pre op stuff on the 30th. They will call me the day before surgery and let me know what time.
Thanks Again,
Shelby
What a sweet note!!!!! I thank God for my husband
daily. He is such a blessing to me, and I have
realized it even more since I have started this
journey.
Peggins, you will have another chance at love--God is
preparing you for the right man and he for you. You
are so special and have a lot to offer! :-)
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Pop Tart honey....you know I'll email Brittany! My daughter is so
excited for me, yet she is worried at the same time, but she's very
happy for me and as anxious as I am to see her mom finally on the
other side!
Hey Christy Wells....your daughter has the same name right? I know
she is young, but wouldn't it be cool if you emailed Marie's
daughter for your daughter, ask your Brittany how she felt before,
during and after your surgery, and put it all into an email for
Marie's Brittany! I think that would be soooooo sweet!
Love you guys!
Connie
Thanks for Brittany's e-mail--I will be sure and e-mail
her when you're in the hospital.
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
I know, I KNOW!!!!!!!!!! I keep telling myself this
same thing, but it's not working!!!! I guess I'm going
to worry until I actually have my consult and find out
what's going on!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Hey Granma Peg & Aunt Avis,
I gotta be @ MCE on the 13th also!
Chan
Did you hear about the Carolina redneck who passed away and left his entire
Rona,
Help me out the Gadsden meeting is posted on Deborah's door. For the life of me I can't remember now where the meeting is held I just read it Tuesday, I am sorry I will call Deborah if I can't think of it.
Shelby
Avis, I will be more than happy to e-mail Brittany!!!
I'm afraid my daughter is going to have a hard time,
too. She is dead set against me having this surgery.
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Sandy,
I have the best to say about BCBS. They excepted the first submittal and they were very quick in pre approving me, mine is through EHS.(MCE,MCB)
Shelby
Sandy, I was reading someone's profile on
obesityhelp.com and she said that insurance denied her.
She was close to having to quit work and go on
disability and Vocational Rehabilitation paid for her
surgery. Have you checked into that?
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Hi, everyone. I'm so very happy for each and every one of you who has insurance that will pay for this surgery! I am beginning to see what a victory it is to get it covered. I'm going to have to switch coverage, so I can't see Dr. Clement's until January. Luckily my future contract with BCBS will not deny claims for pre-existing conditions. I lost six pounds in the last week by exercising. Can I lose my weight this way? I've tried so many times and failed (and all of you know how that story goes, so I won't fill up here with details). My liver is becoming diseased, and I have to lose the weight. I have steatohepatitis, which is a fancy word for having 'fat stripes' in my liver. I've had it for years, but my liver is no longer happy. I've been taken off most of my medicines, except for my blood pressure and insulin. I have GOT to lose weight. It has become urgent. Today I weigh 290, but I used to weigh 330. I have lost and gained and lost 20 lbs in the last six
months. Has anyone been able to do this without the surgery? Are there any tricks to keep my stomach feeling full so I won't feel hungry all the time? My situation is complicated by bulemia. I used to purge in my youth, but I know now that it is dangerous to do that. I could ruin my esophagus, not to mention it is mentally unhealthy. I'm about to have to choose between liver and esophagus! Not really. I won't go back to purging again. I've tried Overeaters Anonymous a few times, but it didn't work for me. I tried the high protein diet but I couldn't handle the carb cravings. I tell ya, I wish I could be locked in a room with a cooked side of beef and ten heads of lettuce for two weeks so I could get beyond cravings and settle in to that kind of diet. Guess I'm feeling a little blue, here. Anyone else having to wait until January to get the ball rolling? I know that if I lose the weight it will probably come back. I'm not looking for a permanent solution in a
diet. I just need to get a good 50 lbs off fast to help my liver. It will come back, I'm sure, but then I'll have good insurance. ~Sandy
Somewhere in cyber space I came across a person who had icky Viva UAB and switched to BCBS to have her surgery. Well, folks, I'm going to have to do this too. Which means I have to wait until January. Can anyone advise me on what to do with BCBS? I used to work there for five years, you'd think I'd know! Anyway, they won't talk to me until I have an effective date, I'm sure. But I wonder if Dr. Clement's office will go ahead and schedule the initial consultation for me for early January. I thought I'd query you folks before I go calling doctor's offices and such. My BCBS contract will be the one for UAB employees. Thanks, ~Sandy
Granmaw Peg,
I feel the same way you do about my CPAP. I sleep so much better now I
don't wanna stop using mine. The only thing is my sinus are not
cooperating at this time.
Chan
hi dave,
i can fully relate to your love of greek/italian/irish food. it is my
absolute favorite!! there is a great restaurant in roebuck not far from mce
that serves wonderful meditteranean dishes...italian, greek, seafood,
steaks. it is called costa's mediterranean cafe. if you haven't tried it,
you and sylvia definitely should before your surgery, lol, to get the full
enjoyment of it. my dream is to go to italy and greece when i reach goal
weight. that will be my gift to myself. really enjoyed sitting by y'all
monday night, you are such a funny and fun guy to be around. i am praying
for a smooth transition to the other side, i know you will be fine. see you
soon!
love,
chris thomason
may 29th
dr. gleysteen-uab
I guess you guys have heard all the insurance woes before, and here comes yet another email about insurance. Anyone struggled with Viva Health? I read on someone's profile that they had to change to BCBS to get coverage for this surgery. I asked the Viva lady if they would let me die rather than allow me to have this life-saving surgery, and she said they never pay for it, they never have, and they never will. I told her someone who has Viva told me that Viva paid for her surgery. I asked her about the appeals process. She said it is just plain an exclusion. It is rediculous that UAB's OWN insurance plan will not pay itself to save the life of one of its own employees. I've had trouble getting them to pay for other things, like diabetic supplies. They pay for them now at 100%, after I struggled with them. Argh. Looks like we'll be doing that switching thing at open enrollment in November. Has anyone tried this with Complete Health (or United Health
Care--whatever they are calling themselves now). ~Sandy
HI EVERYONE MY SISTER SENT THIS TO ME. IT REALLY HIT HOME WITH ME. I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO READ THIS SHORT POEM TOO. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
HUGS & LOVE,
AVIS M. DAVIS (AKA) POP TART
WLS SURGERY DATE -MAY 20TH. 2002
IM GOING TO THE OTHER SIDE
Anyone know how Christy's doing? Tell her Joy and I think about her
a lot and hope she's doing well.
Tim.
Wendy came home this afternoon. She is doing well, she did not expect to be in as much pain as she is in. Please keep her in your prayers. My surgery is approaching fast, only 6 more days!! I went and did all my pre admit stuff on 4/30. I am ready to go. I thank each and every one of you for all your kind and helpful words. And most of all your prayers.
Shelby
Well, Joy and I headed out to Lake Purdy (LP) today to try our luck. We
got there about 8:30 and the more we looked at the lake, the more and
more we could hear the pontoon boats calling our names. And we had been
wanting to try one so we could see if we felt we could get my Mother and
her wheelchair onboard. Their docks got pretty blown around by that
little storm that blew through yesterday, but once they repair them, I
don't think we'll have much trouble at all rolling a wheelchair from the
dock to the boat. We cruised up and down the lake in an 18' pontoon
boat and had so much fun together. When we finally stopped to do a
little fishing, she kicked my butt!
Score:
Joy: 2 small largemeouth bass (We only weighed the second one and it
was 6 oz's)
Tim. Handfull of pinestraw.
I'm tired and sunburned, she's asleep, here's the pictures.
Tim.
Ruby Red,
I live close to you, there is meetings @ MMCS & MMCN and in Gadsden.
Shelby
I just finished a clinical rotation as a nursing student at MCE. I highly recommend that you bring soap that you like, but most importantly, bring your PILLOW! The pillows at MCE are flat, and most are plastic in addition to that, which equals a sweaty head that probably won't get washed while you are there. Patients frequently ask for more pillows, but the extra ones are hard to locate. I think that most people came with next to nothing and their needs were met. They do have toothbrushes and toothpaste if you forget yours. I did my rotation on the unit that received the post-op WLS patients (not ICU). The thing they stressed to we nursing students over and over is to encourage the patient to get up and walk. The physical therapists came to help the patients walk, which I think is an excellent idea. If you can have a friend or family member there with you that would be a good thing. It is a really busy unit and sometimes you might have to wait a bit for a comfort
item if there are patients in front of you with medical needs. If you have a friend there, he or she can help you so much. If they ask you if it is OK for a nursing student to work with you, I say go for it! When a student nurse is in charge of you, you also get that student's very experienced nurse-professor, as well as a regular MCE nurse. I guess that's all for now...~Sandy
I got a call from Doc Miles office today. They want me on a high
protein-low cal diet (Now thru 5-20). Any high pro/low cal food idea's?
Thanks ya'll ("you all" for our yankee readers)
Thanks everyone for all your prayers. She is doing well, in a lot of pain. She said she didn't think she would be coming home today. Please continue praying for her.
Thanks Again,
Shelby
Peggins that is wonderful 20.5 lbs in 11 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wow!!!!!!
Did any of you catch Oprah yesterday? I taped it and
watched it last night with my husband. For those of us
that have supportive spouses, we are soooooooooooo blessed!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
I have an appointment with Dr. Glysteen (?) at UAB on May 10th. Has anybody in this support group used him for their WLS? If so, I would love to hear your experiences (good or bad [INLINE] )
By the way, I really enjoyed Beth's (not sure of last name) segment on the Oprah show!!
Beth Morris
I got it this morning--thanks! I'll write you back
just as soon as I think my boss isn't watching me! I
have to sneak and read mail sometimes!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Chris,
If you get this e-mail please let me knwo your surgery date!!!
Kristy Brooks
Hey everyone! How are y'all doing? Welp, I am feeling really good! I've lost 105
lbs! That puts me at 250! Gosh! It's been a while since I've seen 250! My next
milestone is going to be when I weigh less than my daddy! He's probably going to
kill me for saying this, but he weighs about 246 and i lack only 5 lbs of
weighing less than him! Also, the guy I've been dating, Adam, weighs about the
same as my dad! It would so awesome to be dating someone who weighs more than
me! I feel awesome and my life has been so great lately! Anyway, I have a
question! Who is the girl Melissa that just recently passed away? Did she come
to any of the meetings? I was just curious if I knew her or not! I feel so sorry
for her family and friends for their loss! I know it has to be hard! Welp, I'm
gone for now! Hope you all are having a wonderful night! God bless!
~Kristen~
I was reading someone's profile tonight at obesityhelp.com, and she
mentioned having to pay over $1,500.00 towards her surgery. I was
expecting some costs (maybe $100 deductible or something at the
hospital) and I know I will have to pay Dr. Miles for the first
visit, but there is NO WAY I can come up with a pile of money to
pay!!!
Does anyone know how much Blue Cross will cover for state employees
and what out of pocket expenses I will have?
Just wanted to update everyone on Terri. She is in having a lot of pain and the Urologists detected something in her urine...I talked with her daughter...so the information is sketchy at best...but they think it might be a kidney stone...When I called she was down in Radiology...
She has been up and waking around despite the pain...she is a very tough lady.
Keep her in your prayers,
Michelle
Thank God you and your daughter are all right!!!
Shelby
Hey Guys,
I got this email from a lady in our support group. I'm not sure if she's a
member of the e-group or not. Could ya'll read her email and then send her an
email and help her out? Her email address is at the bottom of the email.
Thanks. I know she'll appreciate it.
Love,
Rona
Dear Rona,
I am curious to know if others have had problems with "extremely" loose bowels.
What is usually the cause of this and what is done to correct the problem? I
have had a "miracle" recovery story and a tremendous weight loss.
I am afraid to talk to the doctor about this for fear something will be done to
slow down the weight loss.
Thank You,
BexNixx@...
I got my initial consult with Dr. Miles--it's May 21 @
3:00 p.m.!!!!!! The good thing about this date is that
I can go by and see Avis in the hospital afterwards!!!!
Who else will be in the hospital then? Mule, are you?
Will you be at MCE? I'd love to see as many of you as
I can while I'm there!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Welcome to the group, Sandy!!!!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
As requested, your FREE facial exercises. If you need to send us mail - please send to info@....
Michael Meyer
www.ageless.co.za
*******
EYES
Sit with eyes closed and relaxed. Keeping your eyes closed look down and then look up as far as possible. Repeat the facial exercise 10 times.
Sit upright with eyes closed and relaxed. Keeping your eyes closed, lift your eyebrows and stretching your eyelids down as far as possible. Keep in this position for 5 counts, relax and repeat 5 times.
Sit upright with eyes relaxed and open. Lift your eyebrows while closing your top eyelids until about halfway closed, then open your eyelid wide open until the white of your eye shows over your iris.
Sit upright looking with eyes open. Look up then down, while keeping your head still. Repeat 10 times. Then look left and right - repeat 10 times.
FOREHEAD
Frown as much as possible and try to bring your eyebrows over your eyes while pulling the eyebrows toward one another. Then lift your eyebrow as far as possible while opening your eyes as far as possible as well. Repeat 5 times.
Lie on a bed with your head hanging over the edge. Lift your eyebrows as high as possible, with your eyes opening very wide. Relax and repeat 10 times.
Sit upright and while bringing your eyebrows down over your eyes, wrinkle your nose as far up as possible while flaring your nostrils. Keep for a count of 10, relax and repeat 5 times.
NECK
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, lips closed and then start a chewing movement. Repeat chewing motion 20 times.
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, lips closed and relaxed. Start puckering your lips together in a kiss and stretch the kiss, as if you were trying to kiss the ceiling. Keep your lips puckered for 10 counts, relax, bring your head back to normal and repeat 5 times.
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, lips closed and relaxed. Open your lips and stick your tongue out as if you were trying to touch your chin with the tips of your tongue. Keep your tongue out in this position for 10 counts, and return your tongue and head to its normal position.
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, lips closed and relaxed. Move your lower lip over your top lip as far as possible and keep it there for a count of 5. Relax and repeat 5 times.
Sit upright and keep lips together, separate your teeth by dropping your jaw and then push your jaw forward, keep for a count of 10, bring back to starting position and repeat 5 times.
LIPS
Sit uprights and purse your lips together. Lift your pursed lips towards your nose and keep it there for 5 counts, relax and repeat 5 times.
Pucker your lips slightly and then try with your mouth muscles to bring the corners of your mouth together as close as possible. Keep lips in this position for 5 counts, relax and repeat 5 times.
Sit upright, lips closed and teeth together. Smile as broadly as possible, without opening your lips, keep it there for 5 counts and when relaxing starts puckering your lips in a pointed kiss. Keep it there for 5 counts and relax - repeat 10 times.
Sit relaxed with lips hardly opened and curl your lips outwards. While your lips are in the outward position, move your curled top lip towards your nose. Hold in this position for 10 counts and repeat 5 times.
CHEEKS
Have a relaxed smile with your lips closed and then suck in your cheeks toward and on to your teeth. Hold this for 10 counts, relax and repeat 10 times.
Look in a mirror while doing this exercise. Pout your top lip, turning the corners of your lips upwards and move your cheek muscles towards your eyes. You should at this stage try to get your top lip touching your nose. Keep in this position for 10 counts, relax and repeat 5 times.
Look in a mirror while doing this exercise. Smile a wide as possible - while keeping your lips closed and your mouth corners turned up. Try to make your mouth corners touch your ears. Next wrinkle your nose and see your cheek muscle move upwards and feel these muscles work. Keep for 5 counts, relax and repeat 10 times.
Keep your teeth and lips closed and blow air under your top lip and keep it there for 10 counts, then move the air to your left cheek side, hold for 10, to your lower lip, hold for 10 and then to your right cheek side while holding it for a count of 10. Repeat 5 times.
We at Ageless and Sallamander Concepts introduce you to these exercises as a general guide to facial exercises and carry no guarantee from either Ageless nor Sallamander Concepts cc (ZA).
Group please remember Wendy G. tomorrow as she will be having surgery @ Carraway @ 1:30.
Thanks Tons!!!!
Thanks Joy for answering my questions. It is just so sad I feel for her family and friends.
Shelby
Well it was great to see all at the meeting tonite. The old mule is
happy agin after meeting face to face with the back doc he said I was
doing well enough to have WLS first. So all that depression and
peeing and moaning I did over the weekend was for naught. I am
feeling good.
First of all it was good to see the whole gang but I got to give
peggins a hug and Christy Thomas or Thomason too. Peggis is doing
great and my wife and I fell in love with her she is doing so good.
Christy is doing great her surgery is in May also. Wait a minute I
feel like a reporter here. Last but not least My angel Laura Colley
is looking hot. She has done so well. I really like the Monday
meeting feels more like a family group but I missed seeing my other
Angel Christy Brooks another skinney Minney. Wes is getting so small
spending all his money fishing he was in those old baggy 3X's I
am sending him my 2x's as I will not be needing them very soon.
Robin is doing so well her scar is evening loosing weight. My wife
said thanks for the tips before we left Robin she really appreciated
that. Rona Rona Rona you were right and also very lucky. I called MCE
to see if they would put you and me in the same room I even told them
I would sleep on the bariatric cot but NO NO have to be in a room all
by myself. THey said they were afraid I might be a pain NOW Rona
where could they have gotten info like that. Anyway good luck Gal you
will be in My Morphine prayers since I am day before.
Connie thanks for all the chats when I was banging my head you are
closing in fast. Take it from someone who KNOWS about waiting.
Mule May 14th
Dave
Just wanted to let everyone know Terri came through her surgery. She is having a lot of pain in her back but thinks it's due to a kidney stone of all things. She has been up walking 4-5 times! I talked to her but she is so drugged the I can't understand her...lol...I remember those good drugs : )
I am sending a link to her surgery page so she can be officially welcomed to the other side.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/status.phtml?N=H1011213024
God Bless,
Michelle
Dr. Miles said at the seminar the other night that the
one thing that could stretch your pouch would be
carbonated drinks. Several post-ops I've talked to
still drink some diet soda. Do any of you? I would be
sooooooooo scared to chance it!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Long time no post..... I know, I know....LOL Hey everyone, sorry its
been soooo very long since I've posted. Boy, whoever said your life
gets busier after WLS wasn't kidding! It seems like I've got 100
times more things to do everyday now than I ever did before. I just
wanted to stop by and say hi to everyone and see how you all are
doing. I read the posts at least a couple of times a week and am so
proud of everyone. I caught up on all the pics and you all look
WONDERFUL!! I'm happy for Amy and Wes and hope you both are
recovering well from your surgeries. I will be having my upper arms
done later next month and abdominalplasty later in the year.(probably
in the fall). I've posted my pics in the photo section. Before and a
new one taken just this pasted Saturday at a lunch with some other
WLS sisters. I couldn't believe how great everyone looked. Also
couldn't believe I actually got to go. When I said earlier that I
stay busy.... I wasn't kidding one bit. I hope you all keep doing
great and I'll try harder to keep in touch in the future. Take care
all and happy losing!!!
Love and hugs,
Kara
Lap RNY- 12/28/00
16 mos post op -118 lbs
starting size-26
now in size - 8's!!
Hi! I'm Sandy. I am hoping to have WLS in August at UAB. I wanted to come to your meeting tonight but my husband came home late. Nice to meet all of you.
~Sandy
Congrats on having such a beautiful, sweet angel!!! :-)
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Joy, I appreciate the details. I had never understood all of that before.
Thanks, Arlene
Yeepeeeeeeeee I made my first appoint with Dr. Miles this morning. It
is set for May 15th. Now i am really just all over myself.
I hope I dont drive everyone nuts. But I do have that right since I
have to go to the Fruit and Nut doc. Yeeepeeeeeee for meeeeee!!!!!
I am on my way to the other side.
Mickie
I have been trying to catch up on reading some of the posts this
morning. I came into work earlier than usual this morning just for
that purpose! I have input on several topics I read here:
Kristen! All I can say is...YOU Go Girl!
Mickie! Looking forward to seeing you tonight! You're more excited
than ever, I can just tell!
Peggins! I want to meet you!
CPAP! I just got my permanent CPAP machine last week, and my part
is only $220, feel free to email me privately if you want to know
the company name. Even though my puter at home is down, I can check
email from work from time to time.
Christy! You're post op self better keep up updated on your
progress! Missing YOU!
The person in Altoona - I have heard that they have support group
meetings in Gadsden. Email me privately for more info.
Shelby! You and your friend are in my prayers. I know you are
soooo excited to have your surgery date coming up so soon! I'm here
for you!
Mule and Avis! You two don't have very long to wait!
Granmaw Peg, Joy, Tim, Lisa, Amy and all you other wonderful
friends! I miss being able to communicate with everyone regularly!
My puter at home should be ready and able by the end of this week
(keep your fingers crossed for me!)
Love to all,
Connie
I was there, too!!!! I was sitting on the front row
with my husband. Where were you sitting?
I haven't completed my paperwork yet, but will do it
this week. What kind of letter do you have to write to
Blue Cross?
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
I was wondering what went wrong with Melissa's surgery? I feel so bad that she died trying to have a better life for herself. That is what we all want to be and feel healthy. Thank you guys for being here for me I am a little emotional with my own surgery only 9 days away.
Thank all of you,
Shelby
Chris,
How are you??? You are getting closer to date!!!!!!! MAy ??? Please send me you WLS date again..... Take care Love Kristy
I attended the seminar Friday with Dr. Miles. He is such a nice man.
He answered all my questions but of course I was no dummy because I
have been going to support school for the last two months. I am ready
to get this started. I have completed my packet that Deborah gave
out, wrote my letter to BCBS & a letter of diet history. Tomorrow
morning I will be calling & making my first appointment with Little
Cutie Surgeon. He told everyone it would be at least 10 weeks from
the time we call for an appointment before we had the surgery. I AM
JUST ABOUT ALL OVER MYSELF. I AM SO HAPPY YEEPEE. I will be at the
meeting Monday evening. So if you see a name tag with MICKIE grab me
or pinch me and say hello.
Mickie
Hey Ruby,
I am in Etowah County myself!!!! I go to the meetings @ MCE and I have also went to the meetings they have once a month @ MMCS. They also have meetings @ MMCN too. If you need a lift just let me know.
Shelby
Jane, I'm in Montgomery, so I'm very interested in this
group. Someone is supposed to notify me next time they
have a meeting, but would you let me know, too? I
don't want to miss it. Thanks!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
I am so proud and excited for you!!!! Way to go!!!!!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
i replyed to yalls messages i guess ya didnt get them or i didnt get
yalls reply but anyway im in etowah county in altoona and help would
be greatly appreciated
Thank you Tim for your wonderful posts and to all those others that
help to pick each one of us up daily.
My heart and prayers go out to all of you who have recently lost
loved ones and to those families as well, I ask that Our Higher Power
reaches down and cuddles each of you in his loving arms and helps
each one find peace.
I sit and read of all the *success* stories. I have gone to the
meetings and have *seen* for myself the changes in each post-op. I
am down to my last step before being approved, I am to see the F&N
Doctor as some of you have eliquently named. (LOL) All these things
had not caused me to have second thoughts, because I realize the
risks. However, when I read about another person who obviously
wanted this surgery as bad as I did, had complications and will not
be with her family again, it totally scared me. I like most of you
have been *fat* since I was a small child...Now I'm 48 with two
wonderful daughters and I have never had but one surgery in my life,
and it was very minor, plus the fact I was young and can barely
remember anything about it. I have never had anything more than an
enema run anywhere in my body, (sorry if that was icky sounding ) so
now, here I sit and I read and learn and get ready for what I will
consider the worse thing anyone has ever done to me, and I once again
fight with myself of whether I want to go through with it. I KNOW
that if I don't, as it is now, I won't be able to walk this time next
year. And, I know that I am going through some of the same thoughts
that all pre-ops go through. I don't know what else to say, except I
am so scared, not of the surgery itself and the *after* parts, I am
afraid of NOT waking up and being able to once again tell those that
I love, how important they are in my life. I have knots in my
stomach and I cry every time I think of it. I know that God will
keep my in his hands and I cannot change his will. All I ask is that
each of you pray for those of us harder than you ever have, that God
will give each of us comfort and help us face the biggest step in our
lives..
I'm sorry I took up so much space...God bless each of you and thank
you, POST-OPS, for being here to guide all of us PRE-OPS...
gwen
Only TWO nights left of GREASE at the Shades Valley Theatre (Sat-Sun).
Both the Thursday AND Friday night shows have been complete sellouts!
Saturday's show is at 7:PM, and Sunday's show is at 2:PM. I HIGHLY
suggest if you want to go, get there NLT an hour before the show for the
best parking. Here's some pictures I took over the last two days...
Tim.
THINGS TO NEVER SAY TO A COP...
1. I can't reach my license unless you hold my beer. (OK in Texas)
2. Sorry, Officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in.
3.Aren't you the guy from the Village People?
4. Hey, you must've been doin' about 125 mph to keep up with me. Good job!
5. Are You Andy or Barney?
6. I thought you had to be in relatively good physical condition to be a
police officer.
7. You're not gonna check the trunk, are you?
8. I pay your salary!
9. Gee, Officer! That's terrific. The last officer only gave me a
warning, too!
10. Do you know why you pulled me over? Okay, just so one of us does.
11. I was trying to keep up with traffic. Yes, I know there are no other
cars around. That's how far ahead of me they are.
12. When the Officer says "Gee Son....Your eyes look red, have you been
drinking?" You probably shouldn't respond with,"Gee Officer your eyes
look glazed, have you been eating doughnuts?"
CLASSES FOR MEN AT OUR LOCAL LEARNING CENTER FOR ADULTS -SIGN-UP BY
APRIL 25TH.
NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, EACH
COURSE WILL ACCEPT A MAXIMUM OF 8 PARTICIPANTS.
TOPIC 1 - HOW TO FILL UP THE ICE CUBE TRAYS. STEP BY STEP, WITH SLIDE
PRESENTATION.
TOPIC 2 - THE TOILET PAPER ROLL: DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS? ROUND
TABLE DISCUSSION.
TOPIC 3 - FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE LAUNDRY HAMPER AND THE
FLOOR. PICTURES AND EXPLANATORY GRAPHICS.
TOPIC 4 - THE AFTER-DINNER DISHES AND SILVERWARE: CAN THEY LEVITATE AND
FLY INTO THE KITCHEN SINK? EXAMPLES ON VIDEO.
TOPIC 5 - LOSS OF IDENTITY: LOSING THE REMOTE TO YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER.
HELPLINE SUPPORT AND SUPPORT GROUPS.
TOPIC 6 - LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS, STARTING WITH LOOKING IN THE
RIGHT PLACE INSTEAD OF TURNING THE HOUSE UPSIDE DOWN WHILE SCREAMING.
OPEN FORUM.
TOPIC 7 - HEALTH WATCH: BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR
HEALTH. GRAPHICS AND AUDIO TAPE.
TOPIC 8 - REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST. REAL LIFE
TESTIMONIALS.
TOPIC 9 - IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL
PARKS. DRIVING SIMULATION.
TOPIC 10 - LEARNING TO LIVE: BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MOTHER AND WIFE.
ONLINE CLASS AND ROLE PLAYING.
TOPIC 11 - HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION. RELAXATION
EXERCISES, MEDITATION AND BREATHING TECHNIQUES.
TOPIC 12 - HOW TO FIGHT CEREBRAL ATROPHY: REMEMBERING BIRTHDAYS,
ANNIVERSARIES, OTHER IMPORTANT DATES AND CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE
LATE. CEREBRAL SHOCK THERAPY SESSIONS AND FULL LOBOTOMIES OFFERED.
**UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE DIPLOMAS WILL BE ISSUED TO THE
SURVIVORS.
I spoke with a friend of mine who has been in the hospital for 26 days she had a leak which caused an infection which set up pneumonia and collapsed her lung she is still having fever and is out of breath. Her name is Kim E. she is a nurse I worked with @ Hospice. If she doesn't get better she will have to have another operation. Please take a moment and say a prayer for her. I told her of all the wonderful people that are in this group and love to lift each other up to the Lord.
THANK YOU,
Shelby
Just got back from Dr. Miles' seminar. I learned a lot
and laughed a lot! It was wonderful meeting Rona, and
I really enjoyed hearing all about the surgery. I
don't like the long drive, but have kind of enjoyed
having the alone time with my hubby!!
I like Dr. Miles--he reminds me a lot of a family
doctor I loved that I used to use. He did tell me that
everyone has to have a psych evaluation, but he will
allow you to use a doctor in your area that the
insurance will cover. That's good, because there's one
here that has a contract with our insurance and the
co-pay will only be $14.00. I'm willing to bet he will
want me to have a sleep study. I am ALWAYS tired, and
wake up lots of mornings feeling like I haven't even
slept.
I'm going to call Monday morning for my initial
consult. Wish me luck!!
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Hi everybody!!!
Just wanted to update you all on Jo-Nita she is doing good I talked with her this afternoon and she said all was good just a lil sore to be expected... Just wanted to let you all know that ifo....... Please remember Melissa in your prayers !!!!!!!
Love to everyone, kristy
Stolen from another WLS group...
Tim.
A pregnant woman is in a car accident and falls into deep
coma. Asleep for nearly six months, she wakes up and sees
that she is no longer pregnant. Frantically, she asks the
doctor about her baby.
The doctor replies, " Ma'am, you had twins! A boy and a girl.
The babies are fine. Your brother came in and named them."
The woman thinks to herself, " Oh no, not my brother, he's an
idiot!" Expecting the worst, she asks the doctor, " Well,
what's the girl's name?" Denise," says the doctor.
The new mother thinks, " Wow, that's not a bad name. I guess
I was wrong about my brother. I like Denise!"
Then she asks the doctor, " What's the boy's name?"
The doctor replies, " Denephew."
I am diabetic, and my blood sugar is definitely not
under control. I'm not on insulin, but take meds for
it.
I remember reading something once where this guy had
all kinds of things happen to him later in life due to
his diabetes that he didn't control--he said, "The bad
thing about having diabetes is that it doesn't hurt--I
wish like hell it hurt more."
That is what this surgery would do for me. Make me
actually hurt when I eat more than I should or eat
things that I shouldn't.
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
Hey everyone! I've got some great news! Today I got on the scales and saw that
not only had I hit the 100 mark, but I actually had lost 101 lbs! Oh my GOSH! I
am so excited! I want to cry because I realize that now, the last of my weight
is no big deal! If I can lose 100 lbs, the rest of the weight is going to be a
piece of cake! I thank everyone who inspired me to go through with this surgery!
I thank my wonderful family and great friends who supported me through it all!
And mostly, I thank God for looking over me and supporting me through this tough
time in my life and giving me the drive to begin my new life! I am so happy! I
can't even express it with words! Also, I have a question. I was giving the
fashion show some thought, but I wasn't sure that I wanted to do it! I've
decided though, that I do want to! I'm not sure how to go about signing up for
it, but I really want to so if you know how to sign up or if you're the person
to talk to about signing up, please e-mail me soon! Well, I'm about to go! I
love you all! Keep up the good work and good luck to all you pre-ops!
~Kristen Burks~
355/254 :o)
I just so full of inI feel I just needed to share some
4000 people are injured by teapots every year
a 60 min cassette tape when yanked out has 565 feet of tape in it
if you straighten a coat hanger it is 44 inches long
the first toilet shon on TV was on Leace it to Beaver
1/3 of people flush while still sitting on the toilet
If you took a standard slinky and strecthed it out it would measure 87 feet ( Bored try it I did)
Mr Potato head was the first toy advertised on TV
THer are 42 dots on a pair of dice 84 if you hold two
Mule May 14th
im new here and i need to know wer i can find support groups in my
area please help??????????????????
Connie's computer is down. I talked with her last night while she was at work. She will return to Puterland as soon as possible.
Shelby
I talked with Carol who has been at UAB with Melissa and her family for the past 2 days and I am sorry to say the doctors have pronounced Melissa brain dead...as I am typing this I can't help but feel a sense of great loss. Melissa's family is talking of having 1 more EEG tomorrow before donating her organs so others my live. I ask you all to take a moment and say a prayer for Melissa, Steven<her husband
I want to let you know Carol printed off Melissa's surgery page and read it to her... You all had very kind words and I know her family appreciated everyone's concern.
I will let everyone know about the arrangements.
God Bless you all,
Michelle
Amen Tim, Amen!
Aww Avis you are going to make me cry. You will do great with your
surgery. How sweet of you to say you will be thinking of all of us
as you are wheeled down the hall, to be honest, I don't remember
going down the hall except to the holding area, when I left there I
was out of it, way out of it, don't remember the operating room or
anything, the next thing I knew I was being wheeled into my room, and
I was asking for the bathroom. LOL
You will do great!!
Lisa
-58 since 12/11/01
I got some highly classified pictures from The Man Institute that shows
why most men can't control their wimmin. To dang many knobs, buttons
and knobs!
Tim.
POP-TART,
HOLD THAT DOOR! My gurnie will be right behind you headed to the O.R.
A breakthrough product for men. Now we can have selective hearing like
our wives.
Tim.
Dear Billy Jo Bob,
I'm writing this slow because I know you can't read fast. We don't live
where we did when you left home. Your Pa read in the newspaper that most
accidents happen within 20 minutes of your home, so we moved. I won't be
able to send you the address because the last family that lived here
took the house numbers when they moved so they wouldn't have to change
their address.
This place is really nice. It even has a washing machine. I'm not sure
it works so well, though, Last week I put a load of clothes in and
pulled the chain, we haven't seen it since.
The weather isn't bad here. It only rained twice last week; the first
time for three days and the second time for four days.
About that coat you wanted me to send; your Uncle Bubba said it would be
too heavy to send in the mail with the buttons on, so we cut them off
and put them in the pockets.
Bubba locked his keys in the car yesterday. We were really worried
because it took him two hours to get me and your father out.
Your sister had a baby this morning, but I haven't found out what it is
yet so I don't know if you are an aunt or uncle. The baby looks just
like your brother.
Uncle Bobby Ray fell into a whiskey vat last week. Some men tried to
pull him out but he fought them off and drowned. We had him cremated; he
burned for three days.
Three of your friends went off a bridge in a pickup truck. Butch was
driving. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. Your other two
friends were in the back, they drowned because they couldn't get the
tailgate down.
Your Favorite Aunt,
Thelma
I've got another question! When they send you to the
fruit and nut doctor, do you use they one they want you
to use or can you use anyone covered by your insurance?
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
And I got the pictures from my last hunt to prove it! Now you know why
I fish!
Tim.
OK group got the news officially today. Large herniation L3 L4 lumbar
fragment broken off disk said I need surgery. But I am feeling much
better I told them " I am going to have WLS first." After weight gone
I will have it if I am in pain. I feel if I am at risk and need two
surgerys I might as well go thru one of them with reduced risks.
Am I correct
Mule May 20th
Robin, thanks for all the suggestions on how to handle
stress post-op. I know my emotions aren't goin to go
away after surgery, and I've got to find some way to
handle them besides eating.
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
I would love that! Feel free to e-mail me privately if
you want to. :-)
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala
if u want to chat contact me i was in the chat room and still noone
there
Please remember Jonita in prayer her surgery is tomorrow at UAB.
Thank you,
Shelby