cndalbs

My journey has been a long one but I am on my way to a healthier me. There were issues with my insurance then my surgery was deferred.  I began seeing a therapist and continued therapy for a year. Because a year had past I had to start all over.  Finally, I am moving forward and expect to have a surgery date soon.  I'm waiting for the cardiologist's okay, once we have his approval I can call to schedule my surgery. My health has deteriorated in the last 3 yrs.  I began working out in 2008, watching what I ate and making it to the gym 5 times a week. About three months later, I started experiencing shortness of breath everytime I worked out. I saw my primary physician and she diagnosed me with excersize endused asthma.  It was difficult to walk on the treadmill so I stopped. I started gaining weight again. Shortly after that the feeling of shortness of breath came back and I wasn't working out anymore. I started having palputations and panic attacks. This scared me.  The cardiologist diagnosed me with pericardial effusion, this is an abnormal amount of fluid around the heart. The dr has not determined the cause.  I recently had an ultra sound of my heart and wore a holiter monitor for 24 hrs. The dr wanted to see how my heart functioned during the day. I will find out the results next week. I should also know by then whether I am a candidate for surgery. <>I have four beatiful children and a granddaughter who will be three years old this Sept. I want to be around for my grandbaby and know that this surgery will help me to add years to my life. My husband and I seperated about five years ago. It was a very difficult time for me and my children. However, we have been working on reconciling. We are taking it slow and have received counseling to help us get through our issues.  The kids are much happier that mom and dad are "dating" again. I am looking forward to the day I can post my surgery date!! I want to feel good and have the energy to do things with my family again. This weight has crippled me. But soon, I will be on the road to better health. I will post my progress as soon as I have word from the cardiologist. 10/2/10 - I was banded on Thursday 9/30/10 - my oldest daughter's birthday. I did well up until I was wheeled into the operating room. Then the heart started palputating and I began sweating. The anestisiologist gave me something through my IV to calm me down. The next thing I remember was walking up in the recovery room. I felt a little sore but it wasn't too bad. Once I got to my room I had to use the restroom - a good sign.  Walking around the nurses station was tough but I managed. I wasn't the only bariatric patient on the floor there were several of us. I am very excited about being banded and am looking forward to my new life.  I am lucky to have the support I do. It would've been much harder had I not had the support of my friends and loved ones. My weight was killing me and the only way for me to get better was to lose it. Now I have been given another chance to make things right and I plan too. I thank the Good Lord for giving me another chance at life and for seeing me through this ordeal. I will do my best to keep my page updated.  Please feel free to share any thoughts or helpful hints with me. I could use a few tips from more experienced bandsters.Gad Bless!!