AnnDe
10-16-2006, 08:20 AM
Wow where do I begin? I had been researching different kinds of weight loss surgeries for many years. My obesity started when I was 6 weeks old. I was born weighing 6 lbs. by the time I was 2 months old I was 18 lbs. and on a diet. In January of 2006 I was no longer working after 30 yrs. My kids are grown. I just decided that it was now time in my life for me! I began talking to local Dr about weight loss surgery. My husband & I attended a seminar at St. Joesph hospital in Tacoma, WA. There we met Dr. M. Srikanth and two of three sisters who have had weight loss surgery. Of course the one sister who had had the band was not there ,she was training to climb MT.Rainer. We listen to the seminar and then stayed and visited with the sisters and Dr. Srikanth. Our visit ended up being over an hour we left feeling that this is what I would do. I went home and the next morning I HAD a appointment to start the journey. In January of 2006 I weighed my highest 382 lbs. I new I had to lose weight weight before going to the Dr so I really got busy with high protein diet. When I met with Dr. Srikanth I step on his scale weighing 352 WOW thirty lbs gone from JAN- March 8th. I have alway been able to lose weight just not keep it off. On my first Appointment I left my family who had gathered at the hospital due to my father in critical condition in ICU not thinking he would make it while I was gone to my appointment. I knew if I didn't go I would not make another appointment and easily put back on the 30 lbs that I had lost. I met with Dr. and We talked about the different surgeries. He suggested the RYN and I knew I did not want that. I explained that I was self pay and I wanted the band. When I left from that appointment I had my surgery date and had to lose another 30 lbs before surgery. My dad came through that time. He soon began calling me his shrinking daughter. I have the most wonderful support from my family. Each week I would meet with the patient advocate and we would go over my diet and progress. I was determined to do this. While on my way to my surgery date I found the LBT site and began a friendship with Susan (P'nut) I was able to write to her and share what was happening in my life and with my family. I was a member of curves and would work out daily. Before my surgery my father had been ICU 4 different time and each time I would send out a email with here we go again... Susan would be the first to reply. Thank you so much for your support!!!! ( if your reading this) It was not only Susan I did receive may prayers from fellow LBT members. As time got closer to surgery date I was really begining to worry if I would make the goal. Will the day before surgery I weighted in at 317! I did it. Surgery went well and it was not long before I was under 300 lbs. I soon left curves and and joined a gym. I think I was 286 when I joined the gym and started working with a trainer. I was feeling so good. I was averaging about two plus pounds per week. Many more times during the months my dad was in and out of the hospital. It was on August 21 2006 ( my birthday and his) we learned that he was not doing well and we would have to make some decision about possible ventilating him and a feeding tube. Once again he fought it and was able to come back home for a few days. It was on Sept 12,2006 we learned that he was at the end of his life and he passed away. I so wanted him to see me at my goal. I know in my heart how proud he is of me. With all the struggle of stress and emotional eating I had done in my life I figured this was going to be my give in and throw this journey to the wayside like all other diets I had been on in my life. I remember on day when we had gathered at my parents home and food had been brought in there sat on the table a wonderful butter cake. I was so upset I said OH HELL WITH IT! I"M GOING TO EAT A PIECE" my mom came up to me and said De Ann you have done so well and your dad is so proud of you don't do it! As I walked off crying I knew dad was proud of me! but it was not only him that was proud, it was me. I have never felt as good health wise as I do now and why when spending the money I did ( Hell we could of bought a few more Chevy's) should I throw away what I have done. So here it is now 6 month post op- and I have gone from 317lbs to 249 lbs. Wow this is why I began this journey!!!! I feel so good about my self and have met the most wonderful people here who don't judge me, who have been in my foot steps, who gave me so much support being through weight loss or family, who share the same dreams. I will never give up ! thank each and everyone of you!