talia

Hey Becca I would love to talk with you about your overall experience. i has my surgery completed on 12/20/2010 as well. 293 pre-op and 173 post-op. But i have had some struggles.

I can relate to how you feel. I mean I think everyone questions did they make the right decision or not. Questions like " could I have really lost the weight on my own" . But just like anything worth having there is a process. When i got my degree in college, that took 4 years. My daughter and the complications and being high risk......but she is perfect and wouldn't trade her for the world. My point is that every thing in life is a process and sometime the path isnt always clear. Just rememebr to hold on to why you wanted the surgery in the first place. I wanted to be a healthier happier me. more comfortable in my clothing and able to play outside with my daughter in the summer without feeling like i was going to die. I wanted to be able to run and play and just live and love life. Yes its been a bumpy road but anything worth having is going to have trail and triublations or else everyone would have it if you didnt have to fight and work towards it. Dont give up! Be encouraged. I know it raining out today but let the sunshineschedlued for tomorrow. Your Victory is right there you just have to be brave enough to reach out and grab it! Be Blessed!! Talia C.

Hi! My name is Talia. I had my surgery 12/20/2010. My journey started May 20th 2010, my first seminar about the surgery to get the packet and process started. MAY 25th Medical records retrieved JUN 2nd Nutrition consult JUN 3rd Consult with surgeon JUN 9th Lab work completed JUN 11th Additional medical records retrieved JUN 14th Psych evaluation completed JUN 17th sleep study done JUN 22nd Insurance submission JUN 28th Insurance rejection ( 6month supervised diet required) Supervised visits on 6/1, 7/30, 8/26, 9/27, 10/25, 11/18 OCT 21 changed surgery type from lap band to gastric sleeve NOV 19th insurance submission DEC 6th insurance approval DEC 9th appointment with surgeon and surgery date DEC 20th surgery DEC 22nd left hospital DEC 27 returned to work During this time I was so focused on having the surgery and getting everything in and managing school, being a mommy and supporting my household that I never truly prepared myself for all the mental changes I would go through. I have had challenges with the surgery. I body healed fine but due to an obstruction I was unable to eat a vast majority of foods that were on the list and had to seek guidance from a GI specialist to assist. Needless to say some days have been better than others. I started at 293 pre- op and stand before you post-op at 173 on 9/3/2011. I’ve lost 120 lbs in about an 8 month time frame. That’s great!! Not too bad you say!! But I must admit I have had a hard time adjusting to the changes. I am an African American woman whose family is obese. They have had a hard time adjusting to the changes thus constantly have me second guess whether or not I'm on the right track. Even my BF at time expresses concern.; In my culture it natural to have some "Thickness " to you....lol but I not longer have hardly any "cushion" as my BF put it. Any way I’m very happy you have found this site and look forward to speaking with you all and asking question I have as far as Vitamins and exercise etc. Please feel free to ask any question as I am more thank willing to share. Be Blessed!! Talia C.