Saturday, May 12, 2012

Journey to a new me

There isn't a time in my life where I can remember being a healthy weight. I have been overweight for well over 13 years. I was always the bigger girl on the cheer leading team. Always the one who couldn't shop with friends in high school. I was the girl with the pretty face, but needed to lose weight. It's not that I didn't realize my struggle. Hello, I was the one living my life. I saw the looks on other people's face. I knew that boys weren't attracted to bigger girls. Or at least the ones at my school weren't. Many times I felt left out of things because of my size. And although there were people in my life that continued to tell me that I was pretty or beautiful, I just couldn't see it myself. And honestly I struggled with my self worth and confidence for many years, until I went through some counseling a few years ago. And finally, I could see that I am so much more than what the scale says.
I have been thinking seriously about how much I need to lose some weight over the past couple of years. I even tried out for Biggest Loser last year. I did lose some weight, yet only to gain it back. Several family health situations began to arise, and I knew I needed to lose the weight for good. I watch several friends began to lose weight through bariatric surgery. They were truly happy with the results. I began studying the different options I had available to me. Seven months ago, I met with a doctor and began the process of one having a gastric sleeve procedure. It isn't a thing I went into lightly. I prayed and prayed. I asked questions. I didn't just jump in. And once my mind was set, I was ready. So May 8, 2012 my life changed forever. I had the sleeve procedure done and am not looking back. I am very excited about this journey. The slogan at the doctors office is "Journey to a new you." I am looking forward to being able to do things I couldn't do before losing the weight. I am thrilled about the new opportunities that this change may bring into my life.

Details of surgery: On the morning of surgery, Jametra took me to the hospital. She waited with me and stayed until I came to my room. So thankful she's in my life. In pre-op, I got into a hospital gown, my IV started, waited. The doctor, the CRNA, and a nurse all came into my room to go over last minute details. I was then wheeled to the OR. Once I was on the table, I had to count to 4. I made it to 3. Ha. When I woke up, I was coming into recovery. I was able to hear and understand things going on around me. I was then taken to my room. Once there, I opted to go ahead and get dressed and began walking. I knew that walking was required, and I wanted to get a start on it. I feel very blessed that I wasn't nauseated or sick. The first day I walked and walked. I slept pretty good that night. The second day, I walked some more. I talked to friends/family. I watched tv. I walked. I read magazines and books. I walked. I had a few visitors throughout the day. The next day, I was able to go home a in the afternoon. I was so ready to go home. So thankful to have people in my life that have supported me on this journey.
Jametra and I in pre-op 
getting ready to roll 
right after recovery 
some entertainment 
walking in the hall 
the board where you mark the laps that you walk- my lines were burn rubber and jack rabbit 
sitting in the chair 
view from my room 
my final lap count- 135 (you have to walk 18 laps in order to go home) 
beautiful flowers and gifts 
Trey came to visit

2 comments:

  1. You look so happy! Can't wait to go on this "virtual" journey with you!!!
    No matter what the scale says, you know I have always thought you were super pretty no matter what!!
    Get well soon !

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  2. So happy for you saw you had lost 27 lbs since your last drs appt! So happy for you keep it up! I know you are looking good!! I can't wait to follow on your journey over the next few months and meet you in just about 10 short days!!

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