Introduction and Thanks to Faybayuk and Boomasmom

[Guest guest]

I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am 62 and had my

first surgery back in 1978. I began to live life to the fullest for

the very first time and was happy and so proud with myself. Since

then I have had to have several operations due health complications

but I have NEVER regretted having THIS done. I truly don't think I

would be here today had I not had it done. My original surgeon Dr

Dale C Rank, Arlington, TX has since passed away and back in the

early 90's when I was began having problems I discovered the

difficulty of finding any doctor that would even see me -let along

consider operating should that be necessary. I finally located Dr

Barzune, Dallas, TX and again had surgery to clear up problems back

in '94. Now again I am facing some medical problems that I'm sure

is surgery related, along with weight gain and major depression. My

weight is almost back to where it was before the first surgery was

done in '78. I am miserable not only physically but mentally. How

did I let this happen to myself? I need to return to Dr and check

out what is happening but fearful that he will refuse me. I have

nothing to really base this fear on other than his abrubt voice and

pre-op personality. This is probably just MY fear - as he is a top

surgeon and was so kind and helpful to me when I found him the first

time. I need to overcome all this and just call for an appointment

and go from there.

I am now several years older, on medicare insurance and a

supplemental thru my company. I have no idea how that works either

as prior to that had great insurance thru my company. I must follow

thru and get more information as this is my first time using

Medicare and Supplemental. I have no idea how much my age and

insurance would weigh in consideration. I am so miserable and very

concerned for my health along with sever depression as recently I

personally have seen more and more what obesity does to our health

and life span. Adult Diabetes is among the worst and its long term

effects frightens me as that is a death I do not want for myself or

my family.

I have tried several ways AGAIN to lose down with no success and I

realize that I need to push myself for more exercise. I eat much

better and healthier now than I did before the original surgery - I

broiled meats, fresh veggies,lots of water, little carbsand fresh

fruit. My BIG " no no's " are (1) not enough exercise, (2)carbonated

diet drinks,and (3) the worst being diet icecream and WILLPOWER! I

try hard to stay away from the no no's but apparently not hard

enough as I am where I am today.

I am working on myself. I am using the information in Dr Phil's

Ultimate Weight Solution, personal therapy, stronger willpower and

support that includes my husband and son. I intend to set an

appointment with the doctor and listen to his verbal statements

(which I deserve as I am the one that has let myself get to this

point). I am less than 5 ft tall and I am over 5 feet around. My

weight is around 200 lbs and my BMI was 39 the last time it was

reviewed. I have difficulty maintaining cleanliness (hygiene),

walking up stairs, borderline diabetic, hurting in area where

gallbladder was removed years ago, and just getting around normally.

My goal now is to be able to live my life to the fullest again and

do things with my family and help others.

I enjoy reading your message boards and seeing how well others are

doing. I only want to suggest to each of you ...PLEASE listen to

your doctor, your support folks and keep on track! You each have a

new lease on life ... please take advantage and don't take it for

granted - like I did. I may have had my last opportunity - but I

can tell you this - should I be given another I will definitely not

take it for granted and work to maintain my life to the very fullest.