It may not sound like much, but changing 56 years of habit is hard. Yesterday I got the required 128oz of water. However, the frequency of elimination is not pleasant. In the past I drank coffee in the morning, about 20oz, a glass of beverage for lunch, usually tea or lemonade, about 16 oz, and a glass at dinner. I might have one more glass of water before bed and during the night. A typical day was 50-60oz, tops. Now I have to more than double that. Sounds easy. It is not if I have to go somewhere. Urgency is real and truly handicapped restrooms are not easily found except in medical buildings. Even those sometimes have the bare minimum in size and accessibility. So, timing the intake of 128 oz is critical!
More than you wanted to know? Just wait. It will get worse. I am trying to make sure to be candid with the journey. I need the honesty in order to be successful. Denial and deceit are powerful enemies. Candor and honesty are powerful friends. I need friends.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I'm OK, You're ?
Yesterday the Psychiatrist visit went well. He said he would clear me for surgery. I guess you have to be really crazy to be disqualified! What could be crazier than undergoing major surgery with at 5-10% chance of dieing during surgery and then being able to only consume 2 oz of food at each meal thereafter? At least I am not that crazy.
Oh, wait. I am. Hopefully this gets me closer to the surgery and to a solution for a life long battle. 'Til later.
Oh, wait. I am. Hopefully this gets me closer to the surgery and to a solution for a life long battle. 'Til later.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Heart OK
I went to the Cardiologist yesterday to get a medical clearance for the surgery. He could not get me scheduled for a cardiac stress test because the table only supports 400lbs. However, after a cursory examination, a thorough review of my family history, my own medical history and symptoms, my blood-work, a review of the last two EKG's and the fact I survived major surgery last August, he gave the clearance. He said I was at "moderate risk" from the surgery. He said that was a "5-10% risk" of cardiac problems resulting from surgery. He said the normal risk is 5%. So he gave the the letter of medical clearance and we move ahead.
Today I go to the psychiatrist to get his clearance. This is a two hour interview/testing appointment. Maybe I can convince him of my sanity, although sometimes I wonder about it myself. Anyway, this is required by the insurance and surgeon.
I'm working on drinking the gallon a day. Saturday and Sunday were fine. No problem. Monday when I had to go to the doctor, I failed to get the full gallon. Only drank 80-85 oz instead of 128 needed. I will do better today, but with the appointment with the psychiatrist I will struggle with it. Bathroom breaks are the issue.
We had a big event for which we were responsible last Friday night. It was a source of great stress and was extremely tiring. While it went well, I was so tired that I could do nothing on Saturday. I hope this surgery will increase my stamina, something that has not been a problem in the past. This gives me more incentive to move ahead with the surgery.
Last night my 80 year old mother had a episode with symptoms similar to a stroke. My wife went to her house and my sister showed up and took her to the hospital. I sat here in my chair unable to get to mother or to the hospital. It was a very frustrating and helpless feeling. One more reason for the surgery. Fortunately, she apparently did not have a stroke and is much better this morning, more or less normal for her since she struggles with Parkinson s and Alzheimer's diseases. They will run tests and keep her in the hospital for a couple of days. She is our only surviving parent or grandparent and my wife and I appreciate all the time we have with her.
Today I go to the psychiatrist to get his clearance. This is a two hour interview/testing appointment. Maybe I can convince him of my sanity, although sometimes I wonder about it myself. Anyway, this is required by the insurance and surgeon.
I'm working on drinking the gallon a day. Saturday and Sunday were fine. No problem. Monday when I had to go to the doctor, I failed to get the full gallon. Only drank 80-85 oz instead of 128 needed. I will do better today, but with the appointment with the psychiatrist I will struggle with it. Bathroom breaks are the issue.
We had a big event for which we were responsible last Friday night. It was a source of great stress and was extremely tiring. While it went well, I was so tired that I could do nothing on Saturday. I hope this surgery will increase my stamina, something that has not been a problem in the past. This gives me more incentive to move ahead with the surgery.
Last night my 80 year old mother had a episode with symptoms similar to a stroke. My wife went to her house and my sister showed up and took her to the hospital. I sat here in my chair unable to get to mother or to the hospital. It was a very frustrating and helpless feeling. One more reason for the surgery. Fortunately, she apparently did not have a stroke and is much better this morning, more or less normal for her since she struggles with Parkinson s and Alzheimer's diseases. They will run tests and keep her in the hospital for a couple of days. She is our only surviving parent or grandparent and my wife and I appreciate all the time we have with her.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Quart Low
Well, I failed to get the full gallon of water in yesterday. I only got 3 of the 4 required quarts. Unusual circumstances... However, I have find a way to get it in each day in spite of circumstances. I have a great ability to rationalize and justify, or self deceive. So today I will do better, God willing. There i go again. God is willing. Am I?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Limbo
I feel like I am in limbo. I want to have the surgery, I need to have the surgery, but now i just wait...and patience has never been a strength. I have three doctors' appointments next week. Then another on April 1. Then, if OK, another appointment with the surgeon followed by insurance approval. Then hopefully I can have the surgery. But now I wait.
While I am waiting I am learning to drink water. I have never consumed enough water. This surgery requires the consumption of at least a gallon a day. In the past I would typically have coffee in the morning. 16 ounces of lemonade or tea for lunch and another 16 ounces at dinner. I rarely drank between meals. Now I am working on 128 ounces a day. Yesterday I exceeded 128oz. The day before I consumed about 100oz. The day before that, 128+oz. So progress is being made. But it is slow.
Now the doctor wants me to go on the South Beach diet prior to surgery. This requires additional food preparation time by my wife. She is overwhelmed with responsibilities at this time. I am struggling with asking her for more. However, I desperately need to get on with the diet. So my goal is to start that tomorrow (today's menus are already planned). I had cheese toast for breakfast, will have canned soup for lunch and she is bringing home Mexican food for dinner after picking up friends from the airport. So tomorrow I hope to get a better diet. I also recognize how easy it is to blame her and not take personal responsibility. Perhaps "blame" is not the right word. That seems to be too incriminating. The point is, I am responsible for my own food. I cannot blame others as an excuse. So, I will wait until tomorrow to do South Beach.
So we wait...and hope. I watched a couple of TV shows on Discovery health about people who have had this or similar surgery. Two were almost twice as heavy as I am. Two were not as heavy. The surgical successes and lifestyle changes were very encouraging. I honestly believe that I could be half the man I am today in less than two years. I will be 60 then either way, so I might as well go ahead and be 60 and 250 rather than 60 at 600 or dead. Of course, I may be dead anyway. But as I learned as a child, it is better to die trying than to just give up.
I am also working on my faith in this journey. The truth is sometimes I let my self perception overwhelm my awareness of God's perception of me. This can be either in the form of self-deception and denial of personal responsibility. It can also be deceptive in believing the lie of the enemy and not embrace God's unconditional love and acceptance of my through the grace of Jesus. So I still need to grow, remembering i am not my own, but am bought with a price. Thank God the price has been paid for me!
While I am waiting I am learning to drink water. I have never consumed enough water. This surgery requires the consumption of at least a gallon a day. In the past I would typically have coffee in the morning. 16 ounces of lemonade or tea for lunch and another 16 ounces at dinner. I rarely drank between meals. Now I am working on 128 ounces a day. Yesterday I exceeded 128oz. The day before I consumed about 100oz. The day before that, 128+oz. So progress is being made. But it is slow.
Now the doctor wants me to go on the South Beach diet prior to surgery. This requires additional food preparation time by my wife. She is overwhelmed with responsibilities at this time. I am struggling with asking her for more. However, I desperately need to get on with the diet. So my goal is to start that tomorrow (today's menus are already planned). I had cheese toast for breakfast, will have canned soup for lunch and she is bringing home Mexican food for dinner after picking up friends from the airport. So tomorrow I hope to get a better diet. I also recognize how easy it is to blame her and not take personal responsibility. Perhaps "blame" is not the right word. That seems to be too incriminating. The point is, I am responsible for my own food. I cannot blame others as an excuse. So, I will wait until tomorrow to do South Beach.
So we wait...and hope. I watched a couple of TV shows on Discovery health about people who have had this or similar surgery. Two were almost twice as heavy as I am. Two were not as heavy. The surgical successes and lifestyle changes were very encouraging. I honestly believe that I could be half the man I am today in less than two years. I will be 60 then either way, so I might as well go ahead and be 60 and 250 rather than 60 at 600 or dead. Of course, I may be dead anyway. But as I learned as a child, it is better to die trying than to just give up.
I am also working on my faith in this journey. The truth is sometimes I let my self perception overwhelm my awareness of God's perception of me. This can be either in the form of self-deception and denial of personal responsibility. It can also be deceptive in believing the lie of the enemy and not embrace God's unconditional love and acceptance of my through the grace of Jesus. So I still need to grow, remembering i am not my own, but am bought with a price. Thank God the price has been paid for me!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Getting Approvals and Signing Contracts
This morning I made appointments with a Cardiologist and a Pulmonologist to have them examine me, conduct the required tests and give me a medical clearance for surgery. These are required by the insurance company and the surgeon. The latest appointment is April 1. So we cannot expect all the paperwork to be to the Surgeon before early April, then he has to see me again and send in the medical packet to the insurance company to get their approval. Then, if that all goes well, I can have the surgery. I suspect this means about May 1, 2009.
I also made an appointment with a Dermatologist as recommended yesterday by my Primary Care Physician. I have a couple of lesions on my legs caused by my obesity and the inability to lay down. These are not infected, thank goodness. However, he wants me to have the Dermatologist to see what he can do about them before having surgery. He said, "You do not want to go into surgery with any open wounds!" Having just gotten over 4 months of treatment for Staph infection after my last surgery, I agree. So this is a preventative measure to make sure I am ready for surgery and face the smallest number of threats to my health as a result of surgery.
Last night I received a "Contract" from the Surgeon that I have to sign and return to the doctor. I also have to have my wife to sign it and have it witnessed by someone, all in the effort to create a team approach to the recovery and lifestyle changes required post-surgery. I list them here, somewhat modified to protect identity, so you can see what is required and so I can do more than sign a medical document (do you ever read them???), but internalize these requirements.
1. I will follow-up with the Surgeon as asked. At least every 3 months for one year, every six months for the next year, and at least annually thereafter.
2. I will not become pregnant for at least one year. (I like the easy ones since I am a male).
3. For the rest of my life I will take a daily multivitamin with iron and daily calcium supplement. (I took my first Flintstones vitamin yesterday. It was Fred, "Yabadabadoo!")
4. I will not take non-steriod anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil, ibuprofen, etc.) or medications containing aspirin without instructions and OK from the surgeon. (I take ibuprofen for arthritis. It works, somewhat. Will Tylenol work? I hope. I have asked my wife to pick up some Tylenol the next time she is in the store.)
5. I will not eat more than 2 ounces of food at one sitting. (No, that is not a typo. The food pouch - read stomach - can be stretched. To avoid future weight gain the pouch must stay small. As I understand it this is critical to success.)
6. I will eat mainly protein for the rest of my life. I will avoid eating or drinking carbohydrates, sugar, starch and fat. (I recognize this is not a choice if I want to get better. These will now be poison to me - or really already are.)
7. I will exercise three times a week. (This will require some help. My immobility makes this difficult. I need help with this. I do not mind exercise, fortunately. In fact I tend to enjoy it.)
8. I will attend support groups once a month. (I will have to work on this as my cynicism gets the best of me. I value effective support groups,but I have attended so many that were not helpful. I realize this is no excuse for avoiding them altogether. The best group I ever had was an accountability group which met once a week for over 10 years. Once of the members of that group has had this surgery and is willing to support me as a sponsor.)
9. I will contact the Surgeon before having any elective surgery or invasive procedures.
10. I will notify the Surgeon of any surgeries to be performed if possible.
11. I will follow up with my Primary Care Physician and get a comprehensive physical exam and routine lab work at least once a year. (At least one is easy since I have been doing this for several years.)
I also made an appointment with a Dermatologist as recommended yesterday by my Primary Care Physician. I have a couple of lesions on my legs caused by my obesity and the inability to lay down. These are not infected, thank goodness. However, he wants me to have the Dermatologist to see what he can do about them before having surgery. He said, "You do not want to go into surgery with any open wounds!" Having just gotten over 4 months of treatment for Staph infection after my last surgery, I agree. So this is a preventative measure to make sure I am ready for surgery and face the smallest number of threats to my health as a result of surgery.
Last night I received a "Contract" from the Surgeon that I have to sign and return to the doctor. I also have to have my wife to sign it and have it witnessed by someone, all in the effort to create a team approach to the recovery and lifestyle changes required post-surgery. I list them here, somewhat modified to protect identity, so you can see what is required and so I can do more than sign a medical document (do you ever read them???), but internalize these requirements.
1. I will follow-up with the Surgeon as asked. At least every 3 months for one year, every six months for the next year, and at least annually thereafter.
2. I will not become pregnant for at least one year. (I like the easy ones since I am a male).
3. For the rest of my life I will take a daily multivitamin with iron and daily calcium supplement. (I took my first Flintstones vitamin yesterday. It was Fred, "Yabadabadoo!")
4. I will not take non-steriod anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil, ibuprofen, etc.) or medications containing aspirin without instructions and OK from the surgeon. (I take ibuprofen for arthritis. It works, somewhat. Will Tylenol work? I hope. I have asked my wife to pick up some Tylenol the next time she is in the store.)
5. I will not eat more than 2 ounces of food at one sitting. (No, that is not a typo. The food pouch - read stomach - can be stretched. To avoid future weight gain the pouch must stay small. As I understand it this is critical to success.)
6. I will eat mainly protein for the rest of my life. I will avoid eating or drinking carbohydrates, sugar, starch and fat. (I recognize this is not a choice if I want to get better. These will now be poison to me - or really already are.)
7. I will exercise three times a week. (This will require some help. My immobility makes this difficult. I need help with this. I do not mind exercise, fortunately. In fact I tend to enjoy it.)
8. I will attend support groups once a month. (I will have to work on this as my cynicism gets the best of me. I value effective support groups,but I have attended so many that were not helpful. I realize this is no excuse for avoiding them altogether. The best group I ever had was an accountability group which met once a week for over 10 years. Once of the members of that group has had this surgery and is willing to support me as a sponsor.)
9. I will contact the Surgeon before having any elective surgery or invasive procedures.
10. I will notify the Surgeon of any surgeries to be performed if possible.
11. I will follow up with my Primary Care Physician and get a comprehensive physical exam and routine lab work at least once a year. (At least one is easy since I have been doing this for several years.)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Journey Continues
Bariatric Journal
March 9, 2009
The journey to Bariatric Bypass surgery is going full tilt now. I wrote a long list of diet attempts and regimens and failures over the last 50 years. Pretty depressing accounts. I have worked and prayed and hoped and spent a boatload of money of cures for my obesity. I have failed. I weigh 545 lbs and am crippled. I am disabled (since July 1, 2008) and am applying for Social Security Disability. I cannot drive or walk. I stay home most days with my wife and need assistance from her with every single physical function. This is quite humbling and humiliating. Thank God for such a loving and caring wife. With all of the things I have messed up at in life, I got that one right. But I cannot even claim that. She is a true gift from God.
I went to the Bariatric Surgeon about a week ago and he said he could help me. I had been recommended to him by the Surgeon who did my two hernia surgeries and a dear friend who had the procedure a couple of years ago. His nurse then outlined the process I would have to go through to be able to have the surgery.
The greatest hurdle is dealing with the insurance company, even though we have coverage for the surgery. In typical fashion, the insurance company multiplies red tape and time tables. After a week of contacting them, the surgeon’s office finally got a call back today. So, we are off to the races.
I now have an appointment with my Internist, a psychiatrist, a nutritionist and will see a cardiologist, all of whom have to clear me for surgery. Additionally I have to have blood tests for specific things, chest ex-ray, clearance from a Pulmonologist, Cardiac stress test, etc. Once all is done and submitted to the insurance company, I have to wait for their approval before we can schedule the surgery.
However at least we are making progress toward that goal. I had intended to start this process last September after returning from the first graduation of the Seminary in Latin America. Unfortunately, I had to have emergency hernia surgery and subsequently got a staph infection that took over four months to treat. I also lost the use of my right leg and am now unable to walk at all.
But I am optimistic. After 50 years of failure, I trust this process will be a success and I will lose enough weight to be mobile again and be able to have knee replacement surgery. I have to “get down to” 300 pounds to have that procedure done. I have to have both knees replaced and will have a year of surgery and recovery from those procedures. But that is far in the future and not worth worrying about.
Now I just deal with insurance representatives, red tape, doctors and assistants and try to move forward as quickly as possible. I thought things moved slowly in the church, but I have discovered non-emergency medical issues move even slower, especially through the bureaucracy of health insurance.
However, instead of being aggravated, I am thankful for a competent and respected surgeon who says he can help me, medical insurance to pay for it, an employer that provides such good health coverage, a family who is supportive and the opportunity for a change. I do not think I have serious illusions about this. I know that my life after surgery will never be the same. But I am desperate. I cannot go on this way. Something has to change or I will continue to deteriorate and die much earlier than necessary. So I am hopeful and thankful. And scared. But hopeful and thankful. And scared…
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I went to the Nutritionist yesterday as required by the surgeon and the insurance company. She was a lovely lady and most helpful and encouraging. She spoke very favorably of the surgeon. She has seen a number of his patients and seen the success of the surgery and new lifestyle. She says my ideal weight is 250 in spite of the charts. This was due to my skeletal frame. I was thrilled. I remember 250 – just barely! However, all previous consultants simply looked at the height/weight chart and told me I should weigh 175. I knew that was not possible, but what do I know!
Then she told me I can expect to loose between 4 and 7 pounds a week after surgery. So if I need to go from 545lbs. to 250lbs. and actually loose 4 pounds a week, that means 74 weeks to get to my ideal weight. Assuming a surgery date of May 1, that means I will see 250lbs. by the end of 2010 if not sooner.
Since my orthopedist told me I could have knee replacement surgery, I would look at about next summer for the first surgery and January, 2011 for the second. Perhaps I will actually be mobile again by April, 2011! I can live with that.
The Nutritionist also told me I must have the ability to do aquatic exercises as soon as possible. She said we should build a pool and get the doctor to write the prescription for it and perhaps my insurance will pay for it. We will see. I believe it is a very long shot that insurance will pay for it since I have enough trouble getting them to approve an antibiotic!
That was all the good news. As she informed me of my diet after surgery I was overwhelmed. I understand from others that this works, is completely possible and satisfying. However, 2 ounces of food per meal (two medicine cups like you use to take cold medicine) does not seem possible. Additionally, I will have to drink a gallon of water every day for the rest of my life. She really wants me to drink 2 gallons. I’ll just move to the bathroom and set up my computer and TV and phone in there!
Anyway, the discipline after the surgery is the big issue. I pray I can do this successfully. I have no other choice. Do or die – really.
As an aside, it came out in the interview that I am a minister and pastured a large church in the area. She told me about her husband who is scheduled for surgery for aneurisms in the next couple of days in Houston, TX. She asked if I would pray for him. I asked if we could pray right there and she gladly said yes. So we prayed for him (Wayne). her and the medical staff. She wiped the tears from her eyes as we left. It is good to serve while being served!
Today we go to the internist to get Medical Clearance from him and set up other appointments including a Cardiologist and a Pulmonologist. We proceed…
March 11, 2009
3:45 pm
I just got back from the Internist. He assured me he would do all he had to do to give me the Clearance Letter required for surgery including all tests. He also gave me referrals to a Cardiologist and Pulmonologist. He was pleased I am taking this step since he had recommended it some time ago.
As the nurse was drawing blood for the lab tests, we began a conversation as she asked me what surgery I was going to have (must have been something on the form). I told her and she was very encouraging. However, she also said a word of warning to me. She had the surgery in 2001 and had some infection complications. She also did not do the proper follow-up and ate anything she wanted. She has regained a lot of her weight. She also told of every celebrity for whom this had happened. She assured me I would do well and was pleased the surgeon said he probably could do my surgery arthroscopically. She reminded me inadvertently that I must do what the doctors say and not fool myself with the self deceit that I know better than they do. Thank you Lord for the word of warning today.
March 9, 2009
The journey to Bariatric Bypass surgery is going full tilt now. I wrote a long list of diet attempts and regimens and failures over the last 50 years. Pretty depressing accounts. I have worked and prayed and hoped and spent a boatload of money of cures for my obesity. I have failed. I weigh 545 lbs and am crippled. I am disabled (since July 1, 2008) and am applying for Social Security Disability. I cannot drive or walk. I stay home most days with my wife and need assistance from her with every single physical function. This is quite humbling and humiliating. Thank God for such a loving and caring wife. With all of the things I have messed up at in life, I got that one right. But I cannot even claim that. She is a true gift from God.
I went to the Bariatric Surgeon about a week ago and he said he could help me. I had been recommended to him by the Surgeon who did my two hernia surgeries and a dear friend who had the procedure a couple of years ago. His nurse then outlined the process I would have to go through to be able to have the surgery.
The greatest hurdle is dealing with the insurance company, even though we have coverage for the surgery. In typical fashion, the insurance company multiplies red tape and time tables. After a week of contacting them, the surgeon’s office finally got a call back today. So, we are off to the races.
I now have an appointment with my Internist, a psychiatrist, a nutritionist and will see a cardiologist, all of whom have to clear me for surgery. Additionally I have to have blood tests for specific things, chest ex-ray, clearance from a Pulmonologist, Cardiac stress test, etc. Once all is done and submitted to the insurance company, I have to wait for their approval before we can schedule the surgery.
However at least we are making progress toward that goal. I had intended to start this process last September after returning from the first graduation of the Seminary in Latin America. Unfortunately, I had to have emergency hernia surgery and subsequently got a staph infection that took over four months to treat. I also lost the use of my right leg and am now unable to walk at all.
But I am optimistic. After 50 years of failure, I trust this process will be a success and I will lose enough weight to be mobile again and be able to have knee replacement surgery. I have to “get down to” 300 pounds to have that procedure done. I have to have both knees replaced and will have a year of surgery and recovery from those procedures. But that is far in the future and not worth worrying about.
Now I just deal with insurance representatives, red tape, doctors and assistants and try to move forward as quickly as possible. I thought things moved slowly in the church, but I have discovered non-emergency medical issues move even slower, especially through the bureaucracy of health insurance.
However, instead of being aggravated, I am thankful for a competent and respected surgeon who says he can help me, medical insurance to pay for it, an employer that provides such good health coverage, a family who is supportive and the opportunity for a change. I do not think I have serious illusions about this. I know that my life after surgery will never be the same. But I am desperate. I cannot go on this way. Something has to change or I will continue to deteriorate and die much earlier than necessary. So I am hopeful and thankful. And scared. But hopeful and thankful. And scared…
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I went to the Nutritionist yesterday as required by the surgeon and the insurance company. She was a lovely lady and most helpful and encouraging. She spoke very favorably of the surgeon. She has seen a number of his patients and seen the success of the surgery and new lifestyle. She says my ideal weight is 250 in spite of the charts. This was due to my skeletal frame. I was thrilled. I remember 250 – just barely! However, all previous consultants simply looked at the height/weight chart and told me I should weigh 175. I knew that was not possible, but what do I know!
Then she told me I can expect to loose between 4 and 7 pounds a week after surgery. So if I need to go from 545lbs. to 250lbs. and actually loose 4 pounds a week, that means 74 weeks to get to my ideal weight. Assuming a surgery date of May 1, that means I will see 250lbs. by the end of 2010 if not sooner.
Since my orthopedist told me I could have knee replacement surgery, I would look at about next summer for the first surgery and January, 2011 for the second. Perhaps I will actually be mobile again by April, 2011! I can live with that.
The Nutritionist also told me I must have the ability to do aquatic exercises as soon as possible. She said we should build a pool and get the doctor to write the prescription for it and perhaps my insurance will pay for it. We will see. I believe it is a very long shot that insurance will pay for it since I have enough trouble getting them to approve an antibiotic!
That was all the good news. As she informed me of my diet after surgery I was overwhelmed. I understand from others that this works, is completely possible and satisfying. However, 2 ounces of food per meal (two medicine cups like you use to take cold medicine) does not seem possible. Additionally, I will have to drink a gallon of water every day for the rest of my life. She really wants me to drink 2 gallons. I’ll just move to the bathroom and set up my computer and TV and phone in there!
Anyway, the discipline after the surgery is the big issue. I pray I can do this successfully. I have no other choice. Do or die – really.
As an aside, it came out in the interview that I am a minister and pastured a large church in the area. She told me about her husband who is scheduled for surgery for aneurisms in the next couple of days in Houston, TX. She asked if I would pray for him. I asked if we could pray right there and she gladly said yes. So we prayed for him (Wayne). her and the medical staff. She wiped the tears from her eyes as we left. It is good to serve while being served!
Today we go to the internist to get Medical Clearance from him and set up other appointments including a Cardiologist and a Pulmonologist. We proceed…
March 11, 2009
3:45 pm
I just got back from the Internist. He assured me he would do all he had to do to give me the Clearance Letter required for surgery including all tests. He also gave me referrals to a Cardiologist and Pulmonologist. He was pleased I am taking this step since he had recommended it some time ago.
As the nurse was drawing blood for the lab tests, we began a conversation as she asked me what surgery I was going to have (must have been something on the form). I told her and she was very encouraging. However, she also said a word of warning to me. She had the surgery in 2001 and had some infection complications. She also did not do the proper follow-up and ate anything she wanted. She has regained a lot of her weight. She also told of every celebrity for whom this had happened. She assured me I would do well and was pleased the surgeon said he probably could do my surgery arthroscopically. She reminded me inadvertently that I must do what the doctors say and not fool myself with the self deceit that I know better than they do. Thank you Lord for the word of warning today.
Struggle and Failure
Weight Loss Struggle and Failure History
March 9, 2009
Birth 1952 9lbs 10oz
1958 - weighed 77 lbs in the first grade.
1959 - 99 lbs in the second grade.
During elementary school Pediatrician put me on a limited calorie diet and diet pills. This was not successful. I do not remember why.
I played football beginning in the fourth grade and was periodically on strict diets of broiled fish and chicken and vegetables, often under a doctor’s care.
1966 - In the ninth grade I was doing 3 two hour practices a day and on 2,000 calories a day. I lost down to 196 lbs. We changed to two practices a day and I stayed on the diet and began to gain weight.
I gained weight all through high school graduating in 1970. I played football and worked part-time and fulltime manual labor jobs such as carpentry, textile plant, farm worker, etc.
College AA, 1970-1972. Worked fulltime as land surveyor. Attempted several limited calorie diets, but failed and continued to gain weight.
College BA 1972-1974. Pastored a church while going to school fulltime. Married 1973. Attempted several restricted calorie diets. Failed and gained weight all through college.
Seminary Masters of Divinity, 1974-1977.
1976 Diet of 500 calories a day, and B12 injections. Lost 50 lbs. Then increased calories and gained back all the weight and more.
1978 Weight loss specialist placed on limited calorie diet and exercise regime. He informed me I would have to live on 2000 a day for the rest of my life or gain back any weight loss. He said I had the slowest metabolism of any one he had ever examined. I cannot remember how much I lost. Probably 60lbs or more. I increased caloric intake and started gaining weight.
1982 became a participant in a Cambridge Diet study group at
1983-1990 Attempted several diets such as Weight Watchers, Atkins, Limited Calorie. All resulted in weight loss and afterward weight gain.
1993
1996 eldest son killed in accident. I compensated with food and gained weight for the next several years.
1999 Atkins diet. Six months lost 60lbs. Reintroduced carbs and gained it all back and more. Also employed 1hour of exercise at least 4 times a week for a year. No significant weight loss.
2000 instructed by Othopedist, to no longer use treadmill or walking because of the condition of my knees.
2000-2008 Several attempts to do Atkins again, all were short-term successes followed by more weight gain.
I have become completely crippled, unable to walk at all and weigh 545lbs. I went on disability July 1, 2008 due to my knees and weight. I am also unable to sleep in a bed because of the condition of my knees.
In 2002 I founded a Seminary in
I have been very active all my life until my disability stopped that. I played all sports, was a hunter and fisherman. I worked hard at my ministry with significant success. I founded schools, counseling centers, crisis pregnancy centers, seminary, etc. I am a disciplined worker and was a very active person. However, I have had a lifetime of struggle and failure with my weight. I am built just like my maternal grandfather and my only maternal male cousin could almost be my twin.
I have to do something!
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