So it has been awhile since I have been here. It has been hard to get back into the ritual of writing on this blog. So I thought what better way than to recap 2011. So here we go.
Starting in January I was not feeling well. 571 pounds, hurting, just all around miserable. I had lost my doctor that I had for the last 15 years or more. So I found a great family practice who has the most amazing staff. I started back on meds I had not had for a few months and started feeling better. A mention was made of bariatric surgery but was left at that. February and March did not see much change. Then it happened, In April I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. That was not all I also was diagnosed with Asthma. I already had high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. I was going on my second year of disability; let me tell you anyone who says their ok being on disability for any reason is cracked. I hate it so. I started seeing the PA-CDE and she started talking to me about bariatric surgery but she did not let it stop at talk. She researched; got me into a seminar, from there we were on the road. This month also brought sad news in the form of a cousin passing with cancer at the young age of 50’s.
April and May passed: I was on a “diet” but not much effort. I had cataract surgery on both eyes. Then on May 23rd: the day it all changed. I went to a seminar on bariatric surgery. Wow what an eye opener. It was great. But I had my reservation because I had attempted this twice before and insurance shot me down. We progressed further. I saw the doctor and had my first official weigh in. 531 pounds. I had lost 40 pounds. The doctor told me if I would get down to 450 he would have no excuses not to do the surgery. June, July (saw the death of a brother-in-law to cancer) and then August. In August I became ill and ended up in the hospital for 4 days with urocepsis. A very nasty blood infection, much more dangerous than I realized at the time. Constant IV flushing saw me back at 516 but was very soon gone.
We were off to the races, (another death, my last uncle at the age of 75. September brought yet another death. My oldest brother passed away 3 months after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 61. Still working at getting the weight down. October found me at the goal weight 450 pounds. I had lost a total of 121 pounds. I was getting ready for a surgery in Dec but that was not what my body had decided. A few days before thanksgiving I was diagnosed with a torn retina. The only doctor on the western slope that did that type of surgery was on vacation. So the day after Thanksgiving found me traveling to Denver for the surgery. December found me back home and ready to go. I now have a date of Jan 16 to see the doctor for a pre operative appointment. So hopefully by the end of January. I will have it done.
This has been a long trip but one I would not trade for anything. I have had hills and valleys. I have met and made friends with many people I would probably never have met. My health has gone from “one foot in the grave and another on a banana peel” to normal blood work on all tests. It was hard work, changing how and what I ate. An exercise program, following doctors orders and having to weigh in every three to four weeks for insurance purposes. You can not get away with, “I am ok” when the scale will say you are not.
So we are off on the next leg of this journey. I have maintained at 445-6 and will step forward with a great support team, doctors who will do a fantastic job, and the knowledge that I actually have a chance to win this time around.
I want to thank all my friends and family that have supported me through this journey that has had more than a few twists and turns. But with God at the helm it is a journey that will end only when He returns to take us all home.
Stress Reducers:
Listen to your heart, not the person
Believe in yourself
Trust in God
Words of Wisdom:
The past is gone, the future is in Gods hands. Work for today and do something nice for someone today.
As always may the Lord bless you for His glory.
Tom
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