Saturday, July 30, 2011

Let Me Introduce Myself...

Assuming even one person is going to read about my life/wls journey, I figure I ought to introduce myself properly.

Hi. I'm Jackie. I'm 23 years old, I go to school full time and am studying secondary education with a concentration in English. I work a part time job caring for the elderly in my area. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. I live with my boyfriend of 4.5 years, Ben, our miniature schnauzer, Rocky, and our hamster, Hamilton. Through this wls process, I not only have Ben's support, but also that of my parents, Ben's family, my brother and sister-in-law (and I'm sure the fetus that is my very first niece or nephew supports me!), and a few of my closest friends. They've helped me jump through all the hoops thus far on this new adventure and finally, after waiting forever the six months that it takes to go through my hospital's "lifestyle class" and all the other requirements, surgery day is almost here!

Now, I've never had any kind of surgery before. I thought that I would have known in a timely manner that insurance had approved me and I thought I'd know what time I need to show up at the hospital the day of surgery and all that...turns out I was quite mistaken. Due to several major screw ups a few minor glitches involving lack of communication on part of my (now former) PCP, I just found out yesterday that insurance has approved me and everything's set to go (still don't know what time I need to be at the hospital though). Anyway, I was thinking to myself, after all the stress my PCP has caused, I really need to make this surgery be worth it. That's what I plan on doing. I've always been the girl with the pretty face or the girl with the great personality, but I'm finally taking some time and doing something just for myself to make me happy. I'm jazzing myself up and becoming a better version of myself. Some day, after we're married and I have my teaching job, Ben and I plan on having kids. I want to be an awesome mother to them. I want to be able to play with them, be a good role model for them, and damn it, I want to fit into rides at amusement parks with them! The way things are going, that's not going to happen if I keep up the bad behaviors that I've known for my entire life. Aside from that, diabetes runs on my mom's side of the family, while cholesterol and heart issues run on my dad's side. I don't want to end up with a pill box like my parents have. Seriously, my mom's looks like a rainbow, she's got so many different meds to take. I want to be happy and healthy.

That's why I'm doing this for myself. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared, because I am. The highest I've been is 278 and that was last summer. The last time I remember being under 200 lb was 7th grade. When the nurse took down our height and weight and did the eye exam and all that stuff, I remember seeing the scale read "199" and I thought to my 12 year old self "Oh crap, I have to do something about this." Now, here we are 10 years later and the problem has gotten so ridiculously out of control and it sucks. But, with the support of my friends and family and with the help of the Lap Band, I fully intend to overcome this problem that is my weight. But can I tell you a secret? I think part of me is actually more afraid of losing the weight than of the surgery itself. Is that stupid?

17 comments:

Lap Band Gal said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hello! I can't wait to see how you do on your journey. It's a LOT of work, but totally worth it :) HUGS!

Lap Band Gal said...

forgot to ask, are you getting realize or lap band?

Rhonda said...

Just found your blog through Lap Band Gal, loving the honesty. :)

I'm also a young bandster (was banded 7 months ago). I think you'll do great. Can't wait to follow your experience through this process. :)

Lynda said...

Hi Jackie! Lap Band Gal sent me over. Looking forward to getting to know you.

Caron said...

Hi Jackie, I'm not a bandster but I read Lap Band Gal's blog all the time and she suggested we come over and encourage you. Looking forward to seeing the progress you'll make. :)

Jessica said...

Hi Jackie!!! I, too, was sent over by Lap Band Gal!! Welcome to the family!!! I am looking forward to getting to know you and lending any support I can!!!
Jess
my30thsummer.blogspot.com

Sarah G said...

Best of luck to you!

Karla said...

Hello,not a bandster but Lap band girl is the best!!! She will point you in the right direction! Looking forward to watching your metamorphsi!

Karla@ www.myweightin2010@blogspot.com

Justawallflower said...

Very nice to meet you! I had absolutely no fear of the surgery at all. I have to say, there is some anxieties over being "skinny" (not that I will ever be skinny). I liked being invisible, and being obese allowed me to do so.

Cece said...

Hi Jackie ! LBGal sent me over ...after 5 months of jumping thru hoops - i was finally banded on 7/21. So far, so good ... just follow your surgeon's plan and you'll be fine :)

jlue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
banded bella said...

HI....Lap Band Gal sent me....I know this sounds funny, but surgery and recovery was the easiest part of this path. Good Luck on your surgery and your path to your new you!

Andrea said...

Congrats on your upcoming surgery! You will do great!!!

~Andrea
http://www.andreasweightlossjourney.com/

Michelle said...

Hi Jackie!! Im Michelle, I was banded in Oct. of 2010 (not even a year out yet). I saw your blog off of Lap Band Gals blog. Welcome first of all. Second of all, we relate, my hightest weight was 279lbs, but I am definitely looking forward to following you on your journey and supporting you the entire way!! Good luck this week, You will do great!!

Lee Ann said...

Hey new follower here. LBG sent me. I live in Pittsburgh too (although I'm Texan born & bred). Just thought I'd say hi & good luck. Are you doing it at Magee? I ended up having the gastric sleeve a few weeks ago via self-pay b/c my insurance (UPMC) denied the surgery bc I was 4 pounds under a BMI of 40 last summer. Azzhats.

Jazzing up Jackie said...

Thanks, everyone, for the support! Finally learned how to leave a comment on my own post :)

Lap Band Gal- I'm getting the lap band (explanation in post entitled "'Thank You's and Technology Troubles".

Lee Ann- Thanks for the good luck wishes. I am indeed doing it at Magee. I thank God that I was able to do my nutrition consultation with the male rather than the female (surely you know the little troll I'm referring to). That sucks about your BMI being too low, but I'm happy for you that you still decided to have surgery. I've read your blog and it seems like this is what will make you happy, so, congratulations :) Best of luck!

Nora said...

Getting so close- don't be afraid of losing the weight (or of surgery)! Your only fear should be- oh no, how am I ever going to afford my fab and skinny wardrobe! I was banded 12/9/10 and am loving the process. Swing by my page and say hi:)