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| Hi, My name is Teresa. I have tried many, many diets over the past 20 years and I truly believe they were the major contributor to my previous size. Only 4% of people who go on diets succeed. Diets are genetically and mathematically designed to fail. Our human body is so smart that it knows when we are cutting back on calories or increasing activity that it stores our energy in reserves (fat). I had been pursuing having gastric bypass surgery for a few years and have had several obstacles beyond my control: Insurance exclusions, job changing insurance company, being laid off from job, no insurance, etc. I made the decision to no longer let obstacles put off my dream of living a normal and healthy life and get the surgery done out-of-pocket. The cost of the surgery was over $27,000. I am so thrilled that I did this and I am so happy that I now have control of my life. My feet and back don't hurt anymore and I have so much energy. I am no longer a slave to my hunger. I am currently suffering from anxiety and depression but that is somewhat common with this surgery. I would still have the surgery again in a heart beat because I am so much happier in this size body and I know the emotional side effects are temporary. I would like to thank everyone who supported me through this and ask for your continued support as I continue my journey with a little body work to remove extra skin. My worst (and yet favorite) part was my arms. I told people, my hand was waving "Hello" and my arms were waving "Goodbye". Ha ha. I had my "wings" removed and my tummy tucked on May 13, 2004. I had a breast lift July 1, 2004 and hopefully if I can pay my bills down, get my legs done next summer; that is $9,300. The cost for my cosmetic surgeries so far is $12,500 so as before, donations are always welcome and very much appreciated! Come on, you know you would love to buy me lunch if ya could! :-) Teresa |
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| 1/10/03 "Before" 311#s |
| 02/20/04 1 Year Post-Op Down 130 Pounds |
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| To My Angels...... Thank you is just not enough! |
| Cheryl C: Thank you for your generosity and encouragement. Tracy G: Thank you for your love, friendship and compassion. Magen L: Thank you for sharing your experiences, helpful advice and inspiration. Mike S: Thank you for sharing your experience and for lighting a fire under my ass. Carolyn T: Thank you for your friendship and help taking care of me and worrying about me. Tim G: Thank you for your help with this website. Dr. Joseph Hall: Thank you for all your support and encouragement. Your the BEST Chiropractor! Don U: Thank you for letting me recover at your place. You are the best host! LuAnn H: Thank you so much for your emotional support. You are such an awesome person. Josh B: Thank you for loving me for who I am inside and out (when you were sober). Scott M: For encouraging me to pay attention to my health. |
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| A SPECIAL thanks to those who have donated to my surgery fund, it means the world to me! |
| Becky P: Thank you for being an angel to those in need and for your support. Kathy S: You are such an neat person, thank you so much for your support. Elyssa T: I have heard very wonderful things about you from your mom. Thank you sooo much. Kathrine T: Thank you for your support and I wish you the best in your journey as well. Jason P: Jason, your gift means the world to me - it really touched my heart. Terry M. Thank you for your support and for always putting a smile on my face with your e-mail jokes! Paul G. Thank you for your support. |
| And a BIG thanks to my future personal trainers and physical activity partners!!!! |
| Tracy G. I enjoyed walking with you! Kaffie M: Water Arobics are great! |
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| (Last Entry) |
| (From Start) |
| Before Surgery - 311#s |
| One Year After Surgery - 181#s |
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