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JoyceGA
09-05-2006, 06:44 AM
Hi Everyone,

I probably have the first smile on my face since Friday. Thanks to everyone involved in setting this site up. I've been wandering around looking for a home.

My journey started because of a tumor on my left leg making it almost impossibe to close my knee. My orthopedic surgeon, plastic surgeon, and nose/ear doctor all agreed that I had to have lap-band surgery to lose the weight needed to have enough loose skin to reconstruct my leg.

The bariatric surgeon would not perform the lap-band till I had a BMI of 40. I was 450 lbs.

That was March 15th, and I knew to lose the weight, I would have to give up soft drinks, alcohol, fast food, bread, etc. I spent St. Patrick's Day -- a major party in Savannah -- downing my liquor cabinet with friends. On March 18th, I was suffering a hangover, but ready to be sober till this journey was done.

As many of you know, I've been steady working on this. I now exercise from belly dancing to walking to weights. I'm having protein drinks for breakfast and lunch, a protein bar mid-afternoon, and a sensible dinner.

Everyone here is noticing my energy, spirit, and how much better I am walking. These things had left me before without my notice, but the return has been incredible.

Many of the people on this board have supported and inspired me.

It's good to have a new home.:orange:

Joyce

Goannabanda
09-05-2006, 07:11 AM
Wow Joyce - what a journey! And what fabulous success! How's the knee now? I hope it appreciates the lengths you went to get it fixed!

JoyceGA
09-05-2006, 07:32 AM
Well, I still have a BMI of 67.5, so I haven't had the lap-band yet. But I am going to be able to have the leg reconstruction surgery before lap-band, which my doctors thought would never happen.

Once the tumor and excess skin is gone on that leg, I will really take off.

Tricia K.
09-05-2006, 08:28 AM
*waves to JoyceGA*

Vegaswildflower
09-05-2006, 08:43 AM
Welcome home!!
I know your going to do great.

Idahobeauty
09-05-2006, 08:58 AM
JoyceGA, what a journey! I am glad to see you are doing much better. I know knee pain but not like you are having. How long to you have to wait for your surgery on the knee?

JoyceGA
09-05-2006, 10:13 AM
JoyceGA, what a journey! I am glad to see you are doing much better. I know knee pain but not like you are having. How long to you have to wait for your surgery on the knee?

I need to lose 30 more lbs, but I think I might hold off till I reach 300, so more loose skin can be pulled. OH OH!! My insurance is covering my leg lift, because of the tumor. For my arms and face, I'm on my own.

Idahobeauty
09-05-2006, 10:17 AM
That is awesome that they are covering your leg lift!!! At least that is one thing you won't have to worry about.

NurseTeresa
09-07-2006, 08:47 AM
Congratulations on your fantasitic journey so far and wishing you continued success! Its awesome how sometimes things work out differently but better to some aspects isnt it?