Cheryl-M

I started this journey in August of 2009. The insurance company I had made me wait 6 months and go through a program , it was all a crock of bad stew ! I went through painful monthly checks ups of " Are you still certain you want this ? it is a big change in your life " I figured if I had come here for help and to learn to change my life and applied for surgery nothing was changing my mind !  I had so many medical issues that this was a blessing , it was a way to relearn and use the lap band as a tool . I had already a plan in my mind and I would stick to it . Finally my time came , I finshed the program and called the surgeon , it was my time to make an appt. March 22 2010 was my day and  I was already and in ambulatory surgery a few hrs before my time , I was terrified and elated so many emotions . My friend who had started this journey with me already had her surgery and was in recovery as I waited  11 , 12 , 1 , 2 and 3pm came and went she would take me by 5 or 6 I was told . I decided that it was to much emotionally to be waiting that long so I rescheduled beside I do not want a physician operating on me after so many hrs of being in the OR for one person . April 5th was my next date . In the mean time I visited my friend who had a hellacious recovery and severe pain in the port site . I was terrified but figured we are all different , she told me a horror story of her time and I could only hope mine was better and I preparred myself mentally.April 5th came , I was due in surgery at 7am , and soon enough I was being prepped , asked my preference of cocktail ( tongue in cheek ) when I went to answer - BOOM- out , I was awaoken by someone calling my name , tugging gently on my feet and when I finally focused I had the surgeon by my side , a smile as bright as the sun . I felt no pain , I felt good actually , maybe just the stitches pulling and I thought I was lucky to be positive . Sadly the MD told me they removed a cancerous GIST tumor from my stomach but got it all , including margins , and made sure no organ or other area was affected ...... I did not get the lap band but I was given my life .......  I was hospitalized for 5 days , did the diet for 4 weeks and was positive , I recovered quickly.I had to see an oncologist for a while to make sure I was ok and though the chances are just 3% of recurrence I wanted to make sure I was ok to get the lap band . I was scheduled for August 27 and got sick .. Then September 25 .. My ride never showed , so now I wonder if it is not meant to be but I decided I would try once more . 12/27/2010 my Christmas and New Years gift , what a way to begin 2011 !!  Even now I struggle with food decisions but kept the 35lbs I lost off I want another 10 before I have the surgery , lets see if I can do that . But for now I look forward to the surgery and hope that my luck is better then my friends who has no such luck , She hasnt lost weight at all they think there is a slippage or the band isnt tight .. I will hope the best for her as I begin my own climb