Hey everyone or anyone,
I don't believe I get much blog action so I've decided to shut down my blog. It's alot of work that unfortunetly I just don't have the time for although I've loved doing it.
If you still want to follow my journey you can do so on my youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/julietangel187?feature=mhee
Thanks to anyone whose read me. I appreciate it.
Cheers
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Origin Story
So let me take you back today to my origin of how I became a sleever (well soon to be sleever anyway).
Turning point in my life August 2010, Lady Gaga concert. Waiting in line to get into the show, Virgin Mobile is there taking Polaroid pictures of those who want it as a free souvenir right....so the couple in front of my boyfriend and I get their snap taken, I move to avoid being in the back ground of their photo, I avoid photos like the plague. However, I somehow didn't move further enough away, because the twerp in front of us says to his girlfriend....and I will never forget these words or how he said it for as long as I live "ugh, there's a big fat lady in the back of ours" My heart stopped, I was defeated and depleted right there, I began to cry trying to hid it from that guy and my boyfriend, not an easy task let me tell you. God bless my boyfriend Jesse, he is the greatest, he was there and comforted me, and went to confront the guy, but I didn't want the hassle. We did end up taking a picture with the Virgin Mobile crew, and I will try and scan or take a picture of it to put up on here, but needless to say my evening wasn't the same as it could have been without someone being a total ass like that kid was.
However, even though it still hurts, his comment is what gave me the drive to do something about how I look and how I feel inside and out. I began researching different surgical options from the gastric bypass to the lap band. They all seemed so extreme to me at the time. The cost and the maintenance of the band, I wasn't sure if surgery would be the answer for me.
So time went on, and I forgot about the A-hole at the concert and I continued on, trying to eat healthier walking to work when it wasn't too cold out. Things like that. Then I reconnected with an old friend of mine, who like me has also battled with weight, and I told her about how I was looking into possibly getting the lap band. She then told me about the newest procedure the sleeve that she was going to be going for, but that she was on a waiting list to have it covered by our provincial health care. I asked her some questions about it, and started to proceed to speak to a doctor about it, but no reply from the doctors office.....strange right, but that didn't stop me, I just looked forward and eventually found Weight Loss Forever, while doing a Better Business Bureau search on another company. I contacted WLF and went through their intake procedure and that pretty much leads me to where I am today awaiting surgery date!
I guess really I should thank the twit who was so insensative to others around him, to give me that push, that drive to take my life back.....now I'm looking forward to the day when someone calls me a 'skinny bitch' instead!!!.....lol
Cheers all!
Turning point in my life August 2010, Lady Gaga concert. Waiting in line to get into the show, Virgin Mobile is there taking Polaroid pictures of those who want it as a free souvenir right....so the couple in front of my boyfriend and I get their snap taken, I move to avoid being in the back ground of their photo, I avoid photos like the plague. However, I somehow didn't move further enough away, because the twerp in front of us says to his girlfriend....and I will never forget these words or how he said it for as long as I live "ugh, there's a big fat lady in the back of ours" My heart stopped, I was defeated and depleted right there, I began to cry trying to hid it from that guy and my boyfriend, not an easy task let me tell you. God bless my boyfriend Jesse, he is the greatest, he was there and comforted me, and went to confront the guy, but I didn't want the hassle. We did end up taking a picture with the Virgin Mobile crew, and I will try and scan or take a picture of it to put up on here, but needless to say my evening wasn't the same as it could have been without someone being a total ass like that kid was.
However, even though it still hurts, his comment is what gave me the drive to do something about how I look and how I feel inside and out. I began researching different surgical options from the gastric bypass to the lap band. They all seemed so extreme to me at the time. The cost and the maintenance of the band, I wasn't sure if surgery would be the answer for me.
So time went on, and I forgot about the A-hole at the concert and I continued on, trying to eat healthier walking to work when it wasn't too cold out. Things like that. Then I reconnected with an old friend of mine, who like me has also battled with weight, and I told her about how I was looking into possibly getting the lap band. She then told me about the newest procedure the sleeve that she was going to be going for, but that she was on a waiting list to have it covered by our provincial health care. I asked her some questions about it, and started to proceed to speak to a doctor about it, but no reply from the doctors office.....strange right, but that didn't stop me, I just looked forward and eventually found Weight Loss Forever, while doing a Better Business Bureau search on another company. I contacted WLF and went through their intake procedure and that pretty much leads me to where I am today awaiting surgery date!
I guess really I should thank the twit who was so insensative to others around him, to give me that push, that drive to take my life back.....now I'm looking forward to the day when someone calls me a 'skinny bitch' instead!!!.....lol
Cheers all!
Hello again
I apologize it's been a little while since my last blog. I guess I just haven't gotten in the habit of posting on a regular basis
So getting into a little bit of heavier stuff I guess. I'm only two weeks and a day away now from my surgery. Still excited but really nervous. Like I've said before I've never have had any sort of surgical procedure and the first time that I am having one it's in Mexico! I'm sure it sounds CRAZY, but from what I've seen and heard from all the research I have done, our hospitals pale in comparison in service, equipment and surgeon experience. So the surgery isn't what I am most nervous about. I am more worried about the travel, having everything sync up perfectly so that I get into San Diego on time to get across the boarder to Mexico and to the hospital so that I will be able to have my surgery as scheduled. That is crazy I know, I know that I shouldn't worry about the things that are out of my control, but I feel like I have so much weighing on this surgery......literally. It's all about getting my life back right, so I just want everything to flow as smoothly as possible. I'm sure in the end all will be fine, and I keep telling myself that and staying in a positive frame of mind. I find that is the best thing to do to keep the worry and anxiety away is to have faith and stay positive.
So that's what I am going to do. Keep smiling and working through my pre-operative diet, blogging and vlogging my thoughts as they happen.
Here's a picture of my puppy Lola to make you smile if you're having an off day! :)
So getting into a little bit of heavier stuff I guess. I'm only two weeks and a day away now from my surgery. Still excited but really nervous. Like I've said before I've never have had any sort of surgical procedure and the first time that I am having one it's in Mexico! I'm sure it sounds CRAZY, but from what I've seen and heard from all the research I have done, our hospitals pale in comparison in service, equipment and surgeon experience. So the surgery isn't what I am most nervous about. I am more worried about the travel, having everything sync up perfectly so that I get into San Diego on time to get across the boarder to Mexico and to the hospital so that I will be able to have my surgery as scheduled. That is crazy I know, I know that I shouldn't worry about the things that are out of my control, but I feel like I have so much weighing on this surgery......literally. It's all about getting my life back right, so I just want everything to flow as smoothly as possible. I'm sure in the end all will be fine, and I keep telling myself that and staying in a positive frame of mind. I find that is the best thing to do to keep the worry and anxiety away is to have faith and stay positive.
So that's what I am going to do. Keep smiling and working through my pre-operative diet, blogging and vlogging my thoughts as they happen.
Here's a picture of my puppy Lola to make you smile if you're having an off day! :)
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| My doggy Lola |
Monday, August 15, 2011
End of Week One!! :)
So here it is, the end of week one of my pre-operative full liquid diet. The week has gone by quickly and I can't believe that I am only three weeks away from going for surgery. My flights have already been booked by WLF and I'm getting even more excited and nervous! All good things though.
I had a pretty successfull week on the scale as well, being on the restricted to full liquid diet I have lost 9.9 lbs bringing me down to 305.1. How exciting is that, to already be winning at losing! I feel over joyed! to say the least.
There have been the odd struggles from time to time. I've had a few over powering cravings to have something I shouldn't, but I am pleased to announce that I have been victorious in conquring those vicious craving demons!! :)
Over all right now everything is great! No complaints here!!
If you're interested please check out video two in my vlog series!
Cheers
I had a pretty successfull week on the scale as well, being on the restricted to full liquid diet I have lost 9.9 lbs bringing me down to 305.1. How exciting is that, to already be winning at losing! I feel over joyed! to say the least.
There have been the odd struggles from time to time. I've had a few over powering cravings to have something I shouldn't, but I am pleased to announce that I have been victorious in conquring those vicious craving demons!! :)
Over all right now everything is great! No complaints here!!
If you're interested please check out video two in my vlog series!
Cheers
Monday, August 8, 2011
Count down begins
So tomorrow begins my 28 day pre operative liquid diet! I'm excited and nervous!
I'll report back let you know how it's going.
As promised here is a before picture!
I'll report back let you know how it's going.
As promised here is a before picture!
Also I began a video of series on youtube today here is the link:
It's my first video and it's not the greatest better ones to come I promise! :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
So it begins......
I've signed my contract with Weight Loss Forever, and will be starting my four week pre-operative diet on August 9th!
To help myself get more mentally prepared for the liquid diet more than anything, I have started for this week, doing basically, a 'slim fast' type of plan. I have a protein meal replacement shake for breakfast and one for lunch then have a sensible dinner. I am doing this just as a way of easing myself into my new life for the next four weeks prior to surgery! This isn't something that WLF has recommended I do, but it is working for me. :)
Day two of my reduced calorie intake and I'm feeling pretty good. I have a bit of a headache today, but that's probably due to the lack of sugar I've put into my body. I have gone through this once before when I had joined weight watchers our group leader suggested to me, to avoid 'white' foods, like bread, pasta, and anything that had white sugar in it. It helped me to have some albeit minimal success with them, and at the time for the first few days I felt about the same as I do now, so I know the headache will clear up! :)
Next post I will have my before picture up as well as my starting measurements, as scary as they are to me, I know that they will be changing really soon and the numbers will grow smaller and smaller.
I have also decided that I will do a video journal posted on youtube and will post the links when I have them up.
That's it for now!
Quote of the post: " A pessimist see the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist see the opportunity in every difficulty " - Winston Churchill
To help myself get more mentally prepared for the liquid diet more than anything, I have started for this week, doing basically, a 'slim fast' type of plan. I have a protein meal replacement shake for breakfast and one for lunch then have a sensible dinner. I am doing this just as a way of easing myself into my new life for the next four weeks prior to surgery! This isn't something that WLF has recommended I do, but it is working for me. :)
Day two of my reduced calorie intake and I'm feeling pretty good. I have a bit of a headache today, but that's probably due to the lack of sugar I've put into my body. I have gone through this once before when I had joined weight watchers our group leader suggested to me, to avoid 'white' foods, like bread, pasta, and anything that had white sugar in it. It helped me to have some albeit minimal success with them, and at the time for the first few days I felt about the same as I do now, so I know the headache will clear up! :)
Next post I will have my before picture up as well as my starting measurements, as scary as they are to me, I know that they will be changing really soon and the numbers will grow smaller and smaller.
I have also decided that I will do a video journal posted on youtube and will post the links when I have them up.
That's it for now!
Quote of the post: " A pessimist see the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist see the opportunity in every difficulty " - Winston Churchill
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I've Been Approved
So it's official, I've been approved by the surgeon for surgery and have also received my financing for the cost of the procedure. All that is left now is some paper work, contract and release signing etc.
I am booked for September 6, 2011, I can't believe how really close that is. I have to be on a four week pre-operative diet because I am so close to being high risk, and I'm just realizing that basically there is only a week left before I have to start that!
There are so many emotions, I'm happy and excited, but at the same time I am terrified. Scared of so many things, of the flight, of making sure we find the right places to get the shuttle to the hospital from the air port, of waking up from the surgery (as I have never undergone any procedures before), then also scared of the pain, and recovery, if the surgery is a success.
Then I find I am also finding that I am nervous about what my life is going to be like as I start to reduce my waist line, what I'll feel like, that I can stay on track and give my self the best chances of leading a happy and healthy life. All very irrational fears at this point I know, but still things that I find myself thinking about.
I'll be posting more when I start my pre-op diet to let you know how that is going!
Cheers
I am booked for September 6, 2011, I can't believe how really close that is. I have to be on a four week pre-operative diet because I am so close to being high risk, and I'm just realizing that basically there is only a week left before I have to start that!
There are so many emotions, I'm happy and excited, but at the same time I am terrified. Scared of so many things, of the flight, of making sure we find the right places to get the shuttle to the hospital from the air port, of waking up from the surgery (as I have never undergone any procedures before), then also scared of the pain, and recovery, if the surgery is a success.
Then I find I am also finding that I am nervous about what my life is going to be like as I start to reduce my waist line, what I'll feel like, that I can stay on track and give my self the best chances of leading a happy and healthy life. All very irrational fears at this point I know, but still things that I find myself thinking about.
I'll be posting more when I start my pre-op diet to let you know how that is going!
Cheers
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Still waiting
Well it's been a few days since I've last posted. I am still waiting to hear back from the surgeon's office as to whether I am actually approved for surgery or not, however my facilitator is positive that it will be approved. Generally I am in really good health I don't have any of the comorbalities usually associated with obesity and I am greatful!
However, it is still so nerve racking just waiting to find out. I already know I have been pre-approved for financing for the procedure costs, but I have to let the financing company know the date of surgery and total cost before they will send out their contracts, and then on the other hand Weightlossforever needs the financing documentation completed before they will send out their contracts, so everything is basically just hinging on what my surgeon says.
I found out that I am borderline high risk so I may need to pay additional fees and/or I will be put on a pre-op diet a little sooner than most sleevers. My facilitator, Deborah who by the way is an amazing person, and very sweet, advised me that normally the pre-op diet is two weeks but they can look at putting me on for four weeks instead to help shrink the size of my liver.
I am trying really hard to remain posititve in my nervous waiting state. It is a bit of a struggle but for the most part my positive brain prevails! I think the negativity comes from having tried to go through our Province for this procedure how pretty much literally you have doors slammed in your face, I'm just worried that it's taking too long, that if I was a good candidate I would have heard so by now.
BUT nevertheless I keep going on, continuing to make better food choices!
Well that's all for now I guess.
Later days!
However, it is still so nerve racking just waiting to find out. I already know I have been pre-approved for financing for the procedure costs, but I have to let the financing company know the date of surgery and total cost before they will send out their contracts, and then on the other hand Weightlossforever needs the financing documentation completed before they will send out their contracts, so everything is basically just hinging on what my surgeon says.
I found out that I am borderline high risk so I may need to pay additional fees and/or I will be put on a pre-op diet a little sooner than most sleevers. My facilitator, Deborah who by the way is an amazing person, and very sweet, advised me that normally the pre-op diet is two weeks but they can look at putting me on for four weeks instead to help shrink the size of my liver.
I am trying really hard to remain posititve in my nervous waiting state. It is a bit of a struggle but for the most part my positive brain prevails! I think the negativity comes from having tried to go through our Province for this procedure how pretty much literally you have doors slammed in your face, I'm just worried that it's taking too long, that if I was a good candidate I would have heard so by now.
BUT nevertheless I keep going on, continuing to make better food choices!
Well that's all for now I guess.
Later days!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Why I came to this decision....
My weight has been an issue my enitre life. I have always been the girl on the chunky side, the one described as big boned, or just carrying around my baby wieght. While I'm 29 now, so I'm sure if I was going to lose it I would have lost my baby pudge by now!
I'm not going to whine and moan here, I will simply state this, I have had some really bad dark depression filled days because I was not happy with my body, how I looked and how the extra weight made me feel.
I feel that my weight has held me back. I want to be the go getter full of life, try anything once kind of girl but my size and physical limits because of my extra has kept me from doing that.
To sum it all up I want to really start to live my life. Not have any excuse or any reason to hold me back.
I look to the surgery as a tool, not a magic pill or an easy fix, because goodness knows it may be a struggle at times, and I may very well still have dark days on my journey. That's why I've started this blog, to hopfully help some one else, like so many WLS blogs and videos have been able to help me.
Other news, I go for step 3 in my pre-op steps, my ECG and CBC blood work today. The needle and blood giving doesn't bother me half as much as taking off my shirt to have the ECG leads attached to my chest!! C'est La Vie.
Well that's about it for today. If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to comment below and I will respond.
Coming soon, before pics and measurements.......duh dah duhhhhh........lol
Later days.
I'm not going to whine and moan here, I will simply state this, I have had some really bad dark depression filled days because I was not happy with my body, how I looked and how the extra weight made me feel.
I feel that my weight has held me back. I want to be the go getter full of life, try anything once kind of girl but my size and physical limits because of my extra has kept me from doing that.
To sum it all up I want to really start to live my life. Not have any excuse or any reason to hold me back.
I look to the surgery as a tool, not a magic pill or an easy fix, because goodness knows it may be a struggle at times, and I may very well still have dark days on my journey. That's why I've started this blog, to hopfully help some one else, like so many WLS blogs and videos have been able to help me.
Other news, I go for step 3 in my pre-op steps, my ECG and CBC blood work today. The needle and blood giving doesn't bother me half as much as taking off my shirt to have the ECG leads attached to my chest!! C'est La Vie.
Well that's about it for today. If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to comment below and I will respond.
Coming soon, before pics and measurements.......duh dah duhhhhh........lol
Later days.
Friday, June 24, 2011
So it begins......
Today is the very begining of what I consider to be a very if not, the most important journey in my life. I have recently made the decision to undergo a bariactric proceedure called Verticle Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), also know as the Gastric Sleeve. Sometime in the near future I will be traveling to Mexico and undergoing this procedure. I chose to go to Mexico because where I reside in Alberta, Canada the waiting period for this surgery is anywhere from 3 to 5 years!! This is because our public health care system will pay with public funds for the surgery and unfortunetly there are not any 'private' hospitals or surgeons here yet in Alberta from which you can 'purchase' the sleeve. I could have elected to go to Montreal for the surgery but the cost is nearly $ 20,000.00 and still a year to wait. So this is my choice to go to Mexico. I have started my journey by working with a great company http://www.weightlossforever.ca/ . They have been super friendly and informative and quick to respond to any questions I may have had.
This afternoon I will be going to my Dr.'s office to get a requisition for my inital ECG and bloodwork that needs to be done before the surgery can occur.
To be honest I am a little nervous, I have mild to moderate anxiety level when it comes to attending at a doctor's office. I don't know where it comes from as I have never in my life really even been sick. I've never had a hopsital stay or any traumatizing event that would cause me to have this fear. And deep down inside I know everything will be alright.
That's it for now. I will keep you posted!
This afternoon I will be going to my Dr.'s office to get a requisition for my inital ECG and bloodwork that needs to be done before the surgery can occur.
To be honest I am a little nervous, I have mild to moderate anxiety level when it comes to attending at a doctor's office. I don't know where it comes from as I have never in my life really even been sick. I've never had a hopsital stay or any traumatizing event that would cause me to have this fear. And deep down inside I know everything will be alright.
That's it for now. I will keep you posted!
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