Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) Patients
Okay, so quick update. As of today (2/2/09), I'm back at 225 lbs. Yay! I'll tell you, it is amazingly easy to put the weight back on even now than it is to take it off. But at least I know that I can do it whenever I want.
Now... for today's thoughts:
When I went into surgery I told myself that I wasn't going to date for 24 months. I figured with the amount of weight I wanted to lose, I was in it for 24 months. I think that was a wise choice. I'm starting to date a bit now and I've actually met someone really nice who I've started to date a bit. I hope that will work out. My self-esteem and confidence about myself is at an all new level and I've lost all the weight that I started out to lose. Now I just need to figure out to pay for and schedule the surgery to at least remove a good portion of my excess skin.
It's funny to me that people tell you that you shouldn't let your weight keep you from things but those people have never been 474 lbs. The difference in how you are perceived and treated is amazing. Even by those who it doesn't really matter much to. Since losing the weight, I feel like I've been phased into the same reality as all those who I watched live life for so many years. Finally I can experience and be a part of the same world I saw for so many years. It's exciting.
The future has taken on a million new colors and now it's up to me to make sure I make the right choices in who I elect to date, etc. And most of all it remains a MUST to be forever vigilante as to my weight, what I'm eating, how much I'm drinking. It truly is a lifelong commitment. It sounds like a daunting task but carrying around an extra 250 lbs is a daunting task. This is nothing.
Take care.
Sean
Frustrations
So two days after reaching 225 lbs again, I find myself back up to 229. What happened?!? It's frustrating because I've been so good. I haven't had much carbs at all, the calories have been within the desired range and my water has been good. I'm almost positive it's water retention but why? I'm not going to beat myself up too much about it, I know I'm on the right path. If I was eating a bunch of stuff that was boosting my daily caloric intake to unknown heights, I'd be worried. It's just frustrating. Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is coming up next week. How many of you are NOT looking forward to it (by show of hands)? Wow, that many. Interesting. Same here. I haven't ever been in a relationship where Valentine's Day was amazing so it's never been my favorite holiday. When I was married, my wife was the worst at making any day special. I've been dating but I'm not deep into any relationship at the moment so it's kind of a ho-hum deal this year as well. But keep your eyes on the future, you never know when this day might elevate itself to a much better day.
Valentine's Day is coming up next week. How many of you are NOT looking forward to it (by show of hands)? Wow, that many. Interesting. Same here. I haven't ever been in a relationship where Valentine's Day was amazing so it's never been my favorite holiday. When I was married, my wife was the worst at making any day special. I've been dating but I'm not deep into any relationship at the moment so it's kind of a ho-hum deal this year as well. But keep your eyes on the future, you never know when this day might elevate itself to a much better day.
Improvements
One thing I would really like to hear about from everyone is a list of things that have gotten better in your life since the surgery. Whether that is being able to go to Lagoon, running up a flight of stairs, being able to walk, having the opposite gender pay you more attention, or just plain sex (have you noticed PALIN [as in Sarah] uses the same letters as PLAIN? I just noticed that). Anyway, please email me your lists. It will be fun to compile them and find out how many of us have these things in common. You can find my email address by going to my blog [www.seanstransformation.blogspot.com] and clicking on "view my complete profile" under my picture.
One thing I would really like to hear about from everyone is a list of things that have gotten better in your life since the surgery. Whether that is being able to go to Lagoon, running up a flight of stairs, being able to walk, having the opposite gender pay you more attention, or just plain sex (have you noticed PALIN [as in Sarah] uses the same letters as PLAIN? I just noticed that). Anyway, please email me your lists. It will be fun to compile them and find out how many of us have these things in common. You can find my email address by going to my blog [www.seanstransformation.blogspot.com] and clicking on "view my complete profile" under my picture.
You would hope that eventually RMAP will learn and do something about it but I was recently emailed another comment about Carly. I asked if I could post this but promised I would keep the author's name out of it:
__________________________
Hi,
So that is funny that I'm reading your post and I had a bad experience with Carly too at RMAP. She is young, rude and doesn't have any kind of sympathy for FAT people. They should not have her as a nurse there. They need people who will be compassionate toward heavy people. She just is not. I can't believe they hired her.
Uh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
__________________________
Hi,
So that is funny that I'm reading your post and I had a bad experience with Carly too at RMAP. She is young, rude and doesn't have any kind of sympathy for FAT people. They should not have her as a nurse there. They need people who will be compassionate toward heavy people. She just is not. I can't believe they hired her.
Uh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Introducing Meredith Mangum, RN
Due to changing needs and Centers of Excellence requirements, we are pleased to announce the new Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians' Education Director, Meredith Mangum.
During the Summer of 2008, she worked as Dr. Steven Simper's medical assistant. Upon graduation from Boise State University's Nursing Program, she joins us again as a Registered Nurse. We are very excited for the direction and passion she brings to our Education Department and to help better serve you!
Feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns: [email protected] (801) 268-3800
Due to changing needs and Centers of Excellence requirements, we are pleased to announce the new Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians' Education Director, Meredith Mangum.
During the Summer of 2008, she worked as Dr. Steven Simper's medical assistant. Upon graduation from Boise State University's Nursing Program, she joins us again as a Registered Nurse. We are very excited for the direction and passion she brings to our Education Department and to help better serve you!
Feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns: [email protected] (801) 268-3800
Utah County Support Group Established
Finally, the moment many of us have all been waiting for... Beginning in March, we are pleased to offer a Utah County Support Group!
When: 1st Wednesday/Month @ 7pm
Where: Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Women's Center Classroom The program will mirror Salt Lake City's support group, so you will receive the same benefits and not miss out on unique opportunities.
Leaders:
Lesa Hazen, (801) 423-2580, [email protected]
Tess McCormick, (801)-766-9876, [email protected]
Jeannine Whittaker, (801) 373-6759, [email protected]
Special Announcement: You can now find a 12-month Support Group Program on our website UtahBariatrics.com, under Home and RMAP Announcements.
February Support Group
Salt Lake City: February 11, 2009 @ St. Mark's, Room G04C, 6pm
Speaker: Leslie Miller, LCSW (WLS patient)
Leader: Meredith Mangum, RN (801) 268-3800, [email protected]
Kim Cundick (801) 268-3800, [email protected]
Ogden: February 10, 2009 @ Ogden Regional, Oak Room, 7pm
Speaker: Chuck Nuttall, MD (Psychiatrist and WLS patient)
Leader: Gloria Merritt, (801) 737-0351, [email protected]
Finally, the moment many of us have all been waiting for... Beginning in March, we are pleased to offer a Utah County Support Group!
When: 1st Wednesday/Month @ 7pm
Where: Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Women's Center Classroom The program will mirror Salt Lake City's support group, so you will receive the same benefits and not miss out on unique opportunities.
Leaders:
Lesa Hazen, (801) 423-2580, [email protected]
Tess McCormick, (801)-766-9876, [email protected]
Jeannine Whittaker, (801) 373-6759, [email protected]
Special Announcement: You can now find a 12-month Support Group Program on our website UtahBariatrics.com, under Home and RMAP Announcements.
February Support Group
Salt Lake City: February 11, 2009 @ St. Mark's, Room G04C, 6pm
Speaker: Leslie Miller, LCSW (WLS patient)
Leader: Meredith Mangum, RN (801) 268-3800, [email protected]
Kim Cundick (801) 268-3800, [email protected]
Ogden: February 10, 2009 @ Ogden Regional, Oak Room, 7pm
Speaker: Chuck Nuttall, MD (Psychiatrist and WLS patient)
Leader: Gloria Merritt, (801) 737-0351, [email protected]