My Life in Our Father's World

The Heavy Truth

In July of 2017, I was quickly nearing 380 lbs. Yes, you read that right, I was severely obese. With the support of my doctor (actually a NP), my husband & medication, I drastically changed my eating habits & began to slowly lose the weight. I looked better, felt better, and had more energy. Things were progressing well. By December 2018 I had lost 80 lbs. I was so excited.

But then, I hit a plateau. The weight stopped coming off. I wasn’t gaining either, but no matter what I did, that scale just wasn’t moving. Things stayed like this for about a year.

My doctor & I had been trying multiple strategies but I was still stuck. Then the scale started creeping back up. We had talked about bariatric surgery in the past but I just wasn’t ready. But in early 2020, I decided it was time to at least investigate bariatric procedures. Then COVID-19 took over and the idea was put on hold again.

However:

May 27th – I participated in a Facebook Live Q&A by Dr. Cheregi of Advanced Bariatrics. I got all of my questions answered and felt better about moving forward.

June 15th – After much prayer, talking with my husband & my PCP. I had my first appointment with Dr. Cheregi & I knew I had come to the right place.

My surgery was tentatively scheduled for 7/28, pending approval from the insurance company, and the outcome of a psychiatric evaluation & many medical tests.

July 6th – I got a call from Dr. Cheregi’s office that there had been a cancellation & my procedure could be moved up to July 14. I immediately agreed to the change.

Exciting! Now to do the 10-day presurgery diet in just 7-days. I was VERY strict with myself & actually lost at around 8 lbs that week.

July 14th – Surgery day. My gastric sleeve procedure went exactly as planned & I was released from the hospital in just over 24 hours.

July 22nd – Follow-up Appointment #1. I lost 19.6 lbs in 1 week!

Today – As of this morning I have lost approximately 30 lbs since I started my presurgery diet 18 days ago!

I still have a long way to go but I have decided to obey my doctor & my dietitian 💯%. I am also involved in a great support group through the hospital. I know that God brought me to this surgery at this point in time and that He will not let me fail.

I recently put the following scripture on my fridge so that I see it multiple times a day.
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food. Proverbs 23:1-3 NKJV

I have added a new category, Journey to a Healthier Me to make it easier to follow my progress. I covet your prayers, as I have a long journey ahead.

35 comments

  10. Wow. That is brave of you. And I love that you are determined too. Where there is a will, there is indeed a way. Glad to know you are making progress – a huge one in fact. 🖐
    Expecting the progress share too. 😊
    Stay safe ma’am. 🤗

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