From Fat to Fit: my weight loss journey

Hey All! My name is Mae. I am 34 years old and on my journey to a healthier, more active, more fit me. I started my journey in Nov 2020 when I went to see my neurologist for migraines that just wouldn't give. After having some tests done, he suggested a sleep study and recommended a consultation for weight management surgery. At that visit I weighed in at 362lbs. I have always pondered the idea of weight loss surgery but never had a doctor that was as forth coming with a recommendation as he was, so I went.

Jan 2021 I had my consultation and first weigh official weigh in at the weight management center weighing in at 355lbs, at 34 years old and 5'4", and a BMI of 61. It was very clear to my surgent and to me it was way past time to get all of this under control. We agreed that the duodenal switch would be the best procedure for me with my weight and BMI. I had bloodwork done, finding out that I am diabetic due to my weight and at the time very terrible diet. Also deficient in several vitamins. I set with a meeting with my diabetic doctor, started two separate medications to get my A1C under control and started monitoring my blood sugars, as well as taking prescription vitamins to get my levels were they needed to be. Shortly after I had my psych eval, which is required with weight management surgery. He gave me the all clear to continue the steps required to have my surgery. Then started the dietician appointments. There are 6 required pre-surgery, one a month. I recently completed my 5th appointment. I am also working on my cpap compliance as I found out I have sleep apnea, This has been the hardest thing to stick with as i take my mask off in my sleep. I just recently got a new mask which will hopefully make it easier for me to raise my compliance.

July 2021 I weighed in at 320lb a BMI of 55. I am down 35lbs from my consult and 42lbs from my appt with my neurologist that I decided to take the steps in the right direction. Every day i try to do better than the day before. It isn't easy with being dedicated to work and having bad habits of putting yourself last but I am doing better with all of that.

Now most of you might think, oh well is this just to be skinny. Why can't you diet, etc.? No it isn't just to be skinny, actually that is the least of my worries. As many of you who know me know that i have been big my whole life and i generally embrace it. This is about being healthier, living longer and being able to keep up. As those of you who know me know I am very active in my soon to be 13 year old niece's life. There are things I can't do, or don't feel comfortable doing with her because of my size or my health. Such as going to theme parks, the beach and other fun things. Also helping her stay active by helping her with sports and school activities. I want to be around to see her graduate high school, college, have a family of her own. I want to be healthy and not have to take tons of meds for the rest of my life, with the exception of the vitamins I know will be a daily thing for ever. I want to be able to run, bike, heck do a marathon if i wanted to and know that I can accomplish what I set out to achieve.

For those of you who know me, and those of you who are reading this and don't, know I AM NOT GOING TO GIVE UP ON THIS! I have already started out on such a great path and will continue to jump over the hurdles as they come.

Now the reason why I am here. As some of you may know, I recently made some other choices in my life. I decided to file bankruptcy and eliminate a lot of bad decision my younger self had made. With that being said this wasn't the type where they just wiped everything clean and i get to start fresh, oh no. I have a monthly payment for the next 5 years because part of my debit is still my responsibility. Anyway. Money doesn't grow on trees and the one thing I do wish is how much my insurance wouldn't cover for procedures and tests I need to complete to even have my surgery done. So far I owe the hospital $2777.30, this does not include the last dietician appointment I have to attend plus my surgery itself. I am trying to find a way to be able to come up with the funds to pay this but with my bankruptcy if I work a 2nd job I would just have to pay them more a month, which would defeat the purpose of the 2nd job also a 2nd job completely takes any time I could use to focus on my fitness.

People that know me would tell you I would give my shirt off my back, the last 2 dollars

I had, or food off my plate to someone in need. They would also tell you how hard it is for me to accept defeat and ask for help. This is me accepting that I cannot do this on my own and I need your help. Anything would help. You have no idea the amount of gratitude I have for anyone who can spare some money to help. And i promise I will always pay it forward when I can.

Also I will give you all updates as my journey continues so you all can see what you are contributing to. Thank you for taking the time to read this, I know it is lengthy but I wanted to be transparent about my journey and my situation. God Bless.