Monday, December 1, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
The Skillet List
Once Gene received word that his gastric by-pass surgery had been approved, he started planning the food funeral that would consume the foreseeable future. Knowing that the foods he loved would be essentially placed in the "pine box" and buried, he decided to spend time with each of them before their demise. Herewith, the "Skillet List" in the order of consumption (my apologies to Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman):
Oreo Pie
Grilled Burgers
Steak
Beef Stew/Slaw/Cornbread
Macaroni & Tomatoes
Fried Cabbage (he can still have this)
Goulash
My Chocolate Cake
Banana Split Pie
Apple Pie
Home Fries
Thanksgiving didn't prove to be near the challenge we thought it might be. I prepared the usual Wood family fare: chicken, dumplings, fried corn, etc. Gene put 1/4 cup of his most highly desired items on his plate and ate slowly. He couldn't begin to get it all down and was no worse for the lack. We spent the rest of the day watching football with the family and even visited at my Aunt Carol Lynn's house late in the evening where another spread was prepared. Gene nibbled at a few things and walked away, seemingly content to enjoy the family stories flowing around the room.
On Friday, I left Gene alone with a full refrigerator while I took my niece shopping. Inventory of the fridge upon my return indicated that Gene had been a good boy!
The highlight of my holiday and honestly, of the last 5 months 18 days since surgery was going to downtown Knoxville to celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree at Krutch Park, check out the vendors and shops, watch the ice skaters and have dinner at Tomato Head with my sister, her husband and Hannah. We parked a mile from the sight, walked there, milled about for 3 hours and walked back to the car. Gene Wood walked all the way. There were no complaints, whines, grimaces or groans.
This is the life we have been waiting for.
Oreo Pie
Grilled Burgers
Steak
Beef Stew/Slaw/Cornbread
Macaroni & Tomatoes
Fried Cabbage (he can still have this)
Goulash
My Chocolate Cake
Banana Split Pie
Apple Pie
Home Fries
Thanksgiving didn't prove to be near the challenge we thought it might be. I prepared the usual Wood family fare: chicken, dumplings, fried corn, etc. Gene put 1/4 cup of his most highly desired items on his plate and ate slowly. He couldn't begin to get it all down and was no worse for the lack. We spent the rest of the day watching football with the family and even visited at my Aunt Carol Lynn's house late in the evening where another spread was prepared. Gene nibbled at a few things and walked away, seemingly content to enjoy the family stories flowing around the room.
On Friday, I left Gene alone with a full refrigerator while I took my niece shopping. Inventory of the fridge upon my return indicated that Gene had been a good boy!
The highlight of my holiday and honestly, of the last 5 months 18 days since surgery was going to downtown Knoxville to celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree at Krutch Park, check out the vendors and shops, watch the ice skaters and have dinner at Tomato Head with my sister, her husband and Hannah. We parked a mile from the sight, walked there, milled about for 3 hours and walked back to the car. Gene Wood walked all the way. There were no complaints, whines, grimaces or groans.
This is the life we have been waiting for.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Look Mom! I Can Tie My Own Shoes!
Memo to skinny people: have you ever thought about all the things fat people can't do? Things like tie their own shoes, fit into a restaurant booth, wear a belt, sit in a lawn chair, wear a seat belt, push a grocery cart around a store, dry their own toes...the list goes on (but some of you are too young :).
A lady came to school today to pick up her son. She couldn't come in and sign him out herself because she was too heavy to get out of the car and walk up the steps and into the office. I signed him out and took the signature slip out to her and indeed, this lady was quite huge. My heart went out to her and I wanted to ask her if she had ever heard of gastric by-pass.
Often when we see someone who is fat (and I am equally guilty of this) we assume that they are fat because they are lazy. Maybe they are "lazy" because they are fat. Put yourself in this scenario: you find yourself in water too deep for you and no one is around to hear any of your desperate cries for help. Just before you draw your last gasp into nearly water soaked lungs, someone comes up under you, lifts you to the surface of the water, heaves you out of the deep and onto dry land. Rolling onto your side,you cough and spit as you look into the eyes of your life-saver. Gastric by-pass is the life-saver for fat people.
Sure, maybe you have 20 or 50 or 80 pounds to lose and you just know you can do it. So do it already and shut up about it. But if you find yourself drowning in your own vicious cycle, gastric by-pass can break the cycle and provide the salvation you need.
So, two pieces of advice: 1)if you need help, get it and 2)stop judging fat people by your own warped determination of worth.
Oh, and the real reason you read this blog: Gene Wood, man-being-saved, has lost 110 pounds.
A lady came to school today to pick up her son. She couldn't come in and sign him out herself because she was too heavy to get out of the car and walk up the steps and into the office. I signed him out and took the signature slip out to her and indeed, this lady was quite huge. My heart went out to her and I wanted to ask her if she had ever heard of gastric by-pass.
Often when we see someone who is fat (and I am equally guilty of this) we assume that they are fat because they are lazy. Maybe they are "lazy" because they are fat. Put yourself in this scenario: you find yourself in water too deep for you and no one is around to hear any of your desperate cries for help. Just before you draw your last gasp into nearly water soaked lungs, someone comes up under you, lifts you to the surface of the water, heaves you out of the deep and onto dry land. Rolling onto your side,you cough and spit as you look into the eyes of your life-saver. Gastric by-pass is the life-saver for fat people.
Sure, maybe you have 20 or 50 or 80 pounds to lose and you just know you can do it. So do it already and shut up about it. But if you find yourself drowning in your own vicious cycle, gastric by-pass can break the cycle and provide the salvation you need.
So, two pieces of advice: 1)if you need help, get it and 2)stop judging fat people by your own warped determination of worth.
Oh, and the real reason you read this blog: Gene Wood, man-being-saved, has lost 110 pounds.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Now He's Just Showing Off!
First of all, I am so sorry about the long delay between updates. Gene loses weight faster than I can record it! He is 92 pounds lighter than he was on June 10, 2008. I constantly battle back and forth between pride and jealousy!
Seriously though, he is feeling pretty good but has run out of clothes that even come close to fitting. We are having pants altered rather than buy since he is losing so quickly, but that is a temporary fix. Eventually we must go shopping...and deep down I know he looks forward to it!
The current picture doesn't begin to show the magnitude of a 92lb. weight loss so hopefully, we can see most of you in person sooner than later and you can soak up the whole "skinnier Gene" experience!
Seriously though, he is feeling pretty good but has run out of clothes that even come close to fitting. We are having pants altered rather than buy since he is losing so quickly, but that is a temporary fix. Eventually we must go shopping...and deep down I know he looks forward to it!
The current picture doesn't begin to show the magnitude of a 92lb. weight loss so hopefully, we can see most of you in person sooner than later and you can soak up the whole "skinnier Gene" experience!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
At the End of the Day
Please forgive me for being tardy in updating this blog, no doubt critical to your peace and happiness! I seem to be in the middle of "title block" and have never posted when uninspired (although my literary critics may beg to differ!). Nevertheless, here is the update and I hope you are sitting down!
Twelve weeks ago today, Gene had gastric by-pass surgery. He has lost 77.9 pounds.
There it is folks. This is what happens when you change what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, IF you eat! He has also added exercise but as earlier posts imply, nothing too strenuous or drastic.
I will have a new pic up soon, so check back often!
Twelve weeks ago today, Gene had gastric by-pass surgery. He has lost 77.9 pounds.
There it is folks. This is what happens when you change what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, IF you eat! He has also added exercise but as earlier posts imply, nothing too strenuous or drastic.
I will have a new pic up soon, so check back often!
Monday, August 4, 2008
THIS JUST IN...but almost out!
Gene "barely" kept from getting thrown out of water aerobics tonight! The swim trunks that have served him well for the last few years REFUSED to stay at a public-pool-acceptable level posing quite a challenge for him during our jumping jacks routine! He looked a little uncoordinated jumping with one hand and holding his shorts up with the other! WE ARE GOING SHOPPING! WHOO-HOO!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Do What's Right,'Cause it is Right 'til it Feels Right!
Faithful Facebook friends will find that title somewhat familiar since it is listed as my "favorite quotation". How does it apply here? Glad you asked!
On day 49 post surgery, Gene had lost 50lbs. Fabulous, no? Of course, that was last Monday and he has surely lost even more since then but in all honesty, he had hoped it would be more. Why? Because we are "hard at" working the plan. Gene only eats Phase III approved foods in appropriate amounts and in the allotted time. He gets his fluids in (most of the time) and works hard to get enough grams of proteins. This in spite of bouts of "head-hunger", and the whole world eating the good stuff all around him.
The big news though, is his level of activity. We go to Blount Wellness Center (a wonderful facility, by the way!) 5 times a week and take part in either the 45 minute water aerobics class (did you know you can sweat while in the water?) or work out on the cardio equipment in the well-equipped gym. This in spite of preferring to sit in his recliner and wait for the pounds to melt off while watching a skinny world parade itself before his very eyes.
How does all of this fit together? Have you ever done something you didn't enjoy but knew that it was best for you to do so? Gone to work when you didn't "feel" like it? Taken medicine that didn't taste good? Held your child while he cried as the nurse injected the sharp needle that would administer a much needed vaccination? Gone out of your way to help someone in need even though it was a major interruption in your day?
Both of our lives have improved as we have chosen to do what is right because it is right trusting that one day, it will feel right! Why don't you give it a try this week and let us know the outcome!
On day 49 post surgery, Gene had lost 50lbs. Fabulous, no? Of course, that was last Monday and he has surely lost even more since then but in all honesty, he had hoped it would be more. Why? Because we are "hard at" working the plan. Gene only eats Phase III approved foods in appropriate amounts and in the allotted time. He gets his fluids in (most of the time) and works hard to get enough grams of proteins. This in spite of bouts of "head-hunger", and the whole world eating the good stuff all around him.
The big news though, is his level of activity. We go to Blount Wellness Center (a wonderful facility, by the way!) 5 times a week and take part in either the 45 minute water aerobics class (did you know you can sweat while in the water?) or work out on the cardio equipment in the well-equipped gym. This in spite of preferring to sit in his recliner and wait for the pounds to melt off while watching a skinny world parade itself before his very eyes.
How does all of this fit together? Have you ever done something you didn't enjoy but knew that it was best for you to do so? Gone to work when you didn't "feel" like it? Taken medicine that didn't taste good? Held your child while he cried as the nurse injected the sharp needle that would administer a much needed vaccination? Gone out of your way to help someone in need even though it was a major interruption in your day?
Both of our lives have improved as we have chosen to do what is right because it is right trusting that one day, it will feel right! Why don't you give it a try this week and let us know the outcome!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Professor Clump Makes a House Call!
NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH! Can you believe it? After 50 days, Gene finally had a "clumping" experience! Since this blog is for more than just my family, I feel I must share this information because it is far more common than our single experience with it and anyone considering the surgery needs to be aware of the possibilities.
To brush up, there are primarily two adverse reactions that a Gastric By-pass patient might experience adjusting to their new stomach. One, called "dumping" is exactly what it sounds like and since we all do this to some extent, while it can be a big deal, it hasn't been for Gene.
"Clumping" is throwing up and while that may sound fairly innocuous, a Gastric By-pass patient does so in a rather violent way. Oh well. Here are the reasons one may clump: 1)eating too fast, 2)eating too much (remember, still only 2-3 oz. per meal), 3)food too dry, 4)wrong food (refined sugar, "bad" carbs). Considering that Gene's total caloric intake on Sunday was less than 400 (today has only been around 500), it seems that clumping should not have been part of his day. But it was.
After all was said and done, Gene determined that he ate the little bit of food he had (2 oz. tilapia and 1 oz. refried beans) too fast, they may have been too dry and there was too much!
In all actuality, the clumping was a blessing. It is the one thing that he been terrified of since the very mention of the surgery but now he has done it and lived to tell about it. Yea for Gene! He even tidied up after (don't let that one out or his man-license may be rescinded!).
So, remember: this is not the "easy way"; it is merely a tool. Thanks for caring, listening and learning!
To brush up, there are primarily two adverse reactions that a Gastric By-pass patient might experience adjusting to their new stomach. One, called "dumping" is exactly what it sounds like and since we all do this to some extent, while it can be a big deal, it hasn't been for Gene.
"Clumping" is throwing up and while that may sound fairly innocuous, a Gastric By-pass patient does so in a rather violent way. Oh well. Here are the reasons one may clump: 1)eating too fast, 2)eating too much (remember, still only 2-3 oz. per meal), 3)food too dry, 4)wrong food (refined sugar, "bad" carbs). Considering that Gene's total caloric intake on Sunday was less than 400 (today has only been around 500), it seems that clumping should not have been part of his day. But it was.
After all was said and done, Gene determined that he ate the little bit of food he had (2 oz. tilapia and 1 oz. refried beans) too fast, they may have been too dry and there was too much!
In all actuality, the clumping was a blessing. It is the one thing that he been terrified of since the very mention of the surgery but now he has done it and lived to tell about it. Yea for Gene! He even tidied up after (don't let that one out or his man-license may be rescinded!).
So, remember: this is not the "easy way"; it is merely a tool. Thanks for caring, listening and learning!
Friday, July 18, 2008
The "Skinny" on Fat
As of Tuesday, July 15, my Gene-o had lost 46 pounds (and that is in 35 days, friends!) shocking the staff at Dr. Boyce's office. I tell you, this man is on a mission!
Surprisingly, quitting eating has been the easy part! Because his stomach "pouch" is so small and holds so little, it is easy for Gene to know when he has enough and know that if he forces more food down, it will most certainly, come back up. However, his brain has not caught on to that quite yet.
It's summertime, the best time of year to eat the good stuff: corn on the cob,fried okra,macaroni and tomatoes,fruit cobblers,you get the idea. And while one day those foods will be reintroduced (in moderation of course),the desire for them now continues to be strong. So in this, as in so many other areas of life, he is learning to deny himself the temporary pleasures looking forward to the long-term satisfaction discipline brings. Or, better said in Hebrews 12:11 "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." We also expect it to yield better health, enjoyable outdoor activities and a more active social life.
So this time next year, when corn is bursting from the shuck, Gene will enjoy an "ear" or two and be done. Outside of fabulous weight loss and overall good health, I can't think of any greater gift that he will receive from all of this hard work than an ability to exercise moderation in all things!
Surprisingly, quitting eating has been the easy part! Because his stomach "pouch" is so small and holds so little, it is easy for Gene to know when he has enough and know that if he forces more food down, it will most certainly, come back up. However, his brain has not caught on to that quite yet.
It's summertime, the best time of year to eat the good stuff: corn on the cob,fried okra,macaroni and tomatoes,fruit cobblers,you get the idea. And while one day those foods will be reintroduced (in moderation of course),the desire for them now continues to be strong. So in this, as in so many other areas of life, he is learning to deny himself the temporary pleasures looking forward to the long-term satisfaction discipline brings. Or, better said in Hebrews 12:11 "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." We also expect it to yield better health, enjoyable outdoor activities and a more active social life.
So this time next year, when corn is bursting from the shuck, Gene will enjoy an "ear" or two and be done. Outside of fabulous weight loss and overall good health, I can't think of any greater gift that he will receive from all of this hard work than an ability to exercise moderation in all things!
Monday, July 7, 2008
In Spain They Call This "Tapas"
But in Rockford, we call it a "wee-nee" (my apologies to those north of the Mason-Dixon line) . To be exact, an Oscar Mayer Turkey Frank which provides 100 calories, 2 g. carbohydrates (not to exceed 30 g daily), 5 g protein (75 g required daily) and, most importantly, 69 delightful bites! Yes, we cut 'em small around here! For added taste, he dips each bite in either yellow mustard or salsa. Quite the connoisseur, that Gene-o.
Gene is moving along steadily, gaining strength each day. Hannah commented today that it looks like he is losing weight from his head down and I agree. As a matter of fact, during a recent backrub, I discovered what appear to be "shoulder-blades"! At first, I suspected a tumor, but upon further examination, found the mass duplicated on the right side and came to the conclusion that they are, indeed, regular, everyday body parts. I can only imagine what we may find next! (Not that I am looking, mind you!)
And so, on we go. Tuesday, July 15, is our next appointment with Dr. Boyce and we are going to hold off weighing until then, so please check back for the next big announcement.
Gene is moving along steadily, gaining strength each day. Hannah commented today that it looks like he is losing weight from his head down and I agree. As a matter of fact, during a recent backrub, I discovered what appear to be "shoulder-blades"! At first, I suspected a tumor, but upon further examination, found the mass duplicated on the right side and came to the conclusion that they are, indeed, regular, everyday body parts. I can only imagine what we may find next! (Not that I am looking, mind you!)
And so, on we go. Tuesday, July 15, is our next appointment with Dr. Boyce and we are going to hold off weighing until then, so please check back for the next big announcement.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Maybe I'm not telling you everything...
It occurred to me last night that what I have written on this blog may lead some of you to believe that this process has been, and will continue to be, a walk in the park. And while it is for me, I am reminded that I am not the one doing the sacrificing!
For example, on Saturday, Gene got in most of his protein and fluid requirements and STILL only consumed about 550 calories. Therefore, his energy level is pitifully low. We went to a nephew's birthday party last night, and while his brothers stood in solidarity with "Jr." and didn't eat, that didn't lessen the fact that cake and ice cream may come and go, but Gene will stand by and watch. I drove us to that party and back because Gene said he just didn't feel "right". These observations that I have made are minor in comparison to the internal battles minute by minute that he doesn't share with me.
Of course, we NEVER want to get back to where we were. Where were we? Living in the land of Food, where Gluttony is the capitol and the inhabitants of the land pay homage by planning lavish gatherings filled with delicasies approved by our beloved leaders, Excess and Indulgence. Those days and that reign must end.
So this is for those of you who may be considering the surgery. It is not a "cakewalk" friends, and you need to go in with your eyes open and your chinstrap buckled! And for those of you who want to keep up with Gene's progress, perhaps you could add these issues to your prayer list for him.
Thanks for listening.
For example, on Saturday, Gene got in most of his protein and fluid requirements and STILL only consumed about 550 calories. Therefore, his energy level is pitifully low. We went to a nephew's birthday party last night, and while his brothers stood in solidarity with "Jr." and didn't eat, that didn't lessen the fact that cake and ice cream may come and go, but Gene will stand by and watch. I drove us to that party and back because Gene said he just didn't feel "right". These observations that I have made are minor in comparison to the internal battles minute by minute that he doesn't share with me.
Of course, we NEVER want to get back to where we were. Where were we? Living in the land of Food, where Gluttony is the capitol and the inhabitants of the land pay homage by planning lavish gatherings filled with delicasies approved by our beloved leaders, Excess and Indulgence. Those days and that reign must end.
So this is for those of you who may be considering the surgery. It is not a "cakewalk" friends, and you need to go in with your eyes open and your chinstrap buckled! And for those of you who want to keep up with Gene's progress, perhaps you could add these issues to your prayer list for him.
Thanks for listening.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Refried Beans and Cottage Cheese!
On this happy day, 17 days post-surgery, Gene has heard (and seen, check out the pic!) the good news of a 29.5 pound weight loss!
As if the massive weight loss weren't enough to set his head a'spinnin', he now gets to add some pretty tasty provisions to his daily diet. Check it out: small curd cottage cheese, no sugar added juice (off canned fruit), refried beans, scrambled eggs, oatmeal and chicken! Of course, these items will be eaten only 3 times a day, 1.5 oz. at a time. He still has to drink his 64 oz. of approved liquids and get in 75 g. of protein daily, but these additions will make that seem like a walk in the park! We are both "super-excited"!
To celebrate Gene's grand news, we took the fam to see "Kung Fu Panda"...and oh my, some among our happy band felt a certain kinship to that fluffy fellow! Be that as it may, we had a good time and looked a little like tourists with our giddy picture taking before the show. (And yes, Gene LIKES white shirts. Note the presence of ink pens in the pocket but the important ABSENCE of a pocket protector!)Embarrassing? We moved past that a long time ago; you have met our family haven't you?
Well, Gene and I will now head to bed excited...because when we wake up, he can actually have FOOD to eat instead of merely a protein shake (shame on you for thinking what you were thinking!)!
Happy chewing!
As if the massive weight loss weren't enough to set his head a'spinnin', he now gets to add some pretty tasty provisions to his daily diet. Check it out: small curd cottage cheese, no sugar added juice (off canned fruit), refried beans, scrambled eggs, oatmeal and chicken! Of course, these items will be eaten only 3 times a day, 1.5 oz. at a time. He still has to drink his 64 oz. of approved liquids and get in 75 g. of protein daily, but these additions will make that seem like a walk in the park! We are both "super-excited"!
To celebrate Gene's grand news, we took the fam to see "Kung Fu Panda"...and oh my, some among our happy band felt a certain kinship to that fluffy fellow! Be that as it may, we had a good time and looked a little like tourists with our giddy picture taking before the show. (And yes, Gene LIKES white shirts. Note the presence of ink pens in the pocket but the important ABSENCE of a pocket protector!)Embarrassing? We moved past that a long time ago; you have met our family haven't you?
Well, Gene and I will now head to bed excited...because when we wake up, he can actually have FOOD to eat instead of merely a protein shake (shame on you for thinking what you were thinking!)!
Happy chewing!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
STARDATE 06212008 WIFE'S LOG...
Encountered older looking gentleman yesterday who goes by several names,"Gene","Jr.","Big Chief", and who claimed to be celebrating his "date of origin".When asked why the strange flaming sustenance on the plate before him, he explained the odd tradition of "cake, candles, ice cream" he once used to celebrate previous dates of origin (this being his 54th). Interesting indeed. His plate did not appear to hold any of the above and when queried responded by explaining that a protein shake would not support a candle, hence the well-chopped scrambled egg.What fun that must have been for him.
Will check in on the old fellow in coming days.
Will check in on the old fellow in coming days.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Jeopardy!
ANSWER: Spend the day in the hospital receiving IV fluids!
QUESTION: What happens when you can't get down needed fluids/protein following gastric by-pass surgery?
As you may guess, Gene didn't come close to getting in the needed fluids (64oz daily) or the needed protein (at least 75 grams) and had to spend Tuesday at Parkwest Hospital. He took his Bible/books/notebooks and assorted pens and had a nice day doing whatever it is he does with those things.
The good news is that according to our scales, he has lost at least 18 pounds in 8 days! Our scales only weigh up to a certain point and the day before the surgery, Gene's weight would not register. Today it did and from all indications, he is indeed, losing weight! Whoo-hoo!
The bad news (for those who may be caregivers) is that this particular caregiving is a monstrous pain in the neck. Here is what you will hear:
QUESTION: What happens when you can't get down needed fluids/protein following gastric by-pass surgery?
As you may guess, Gene didn't come close to getting in the needed fluids (64oz daily) or the needed protein (at least 75 grams) and had to spend Tuesday at Parkwest Hospital. He took his Bible/books/notebooks and assorted pens and had a nice day doing whatever it is he does with those things.
The good news is that according to our scales, he has lost at least 18 pounds in 8 days! Our scales only weigh up to a certain point and the day before the surgery, Gene's weight would not register. Today it did and from all indications, he is indeed, losing weight! Whoo-hoo!
The bad news (for those who may be caregivers) is that this particular caregiving is a monstrous pain in the neck. Here is what you will hear:
- I feel full ("You haven't had your full 2 oz.")
- I don't like the taste of that ("Tough. Drink it you big baby.")
- I'm hungry ("No kidding.")
...and others. The words in parenthesis are the words you WANT to say plus a few others we will just think and not say! So, buck up friends, this is not an easy road for any of us but we know it will be worth it all!
Happy sipping!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
There's a monkey on my back!
Some months ago, Gene realized that he was getting nowhere battling this obesity beast. What a horrible word: obesity. But, tiring of the fight he decided, and I agreed, to at least investigate the lap-band procedure and gastric by-pass surgery. We sat in on one informational seminar in our area and although I was sold, Gene could not yet buy into the procedure.
I remember being furious at him to the point of tears (it was dark and he couldn't see my misty eyes) and wondered what in the world it would take to get him to see the seriousness of the matter.
Some few months passed and FINALLY, his cardiologist Dr. Clint Doiron of East Tennessee Heart Consultants, suggested Gene accept the fact that he was not making any headway in this battle and go ahead and seriously consider surgery.
Our internist, Dr. James (Stephen) Alley of Knoxville Internal Medicine, agreed and recommended Dr. Stephen Boyce with Parkwest Comprehensive Weight Loss Center and the next thing you know, we are filling out paperwork, gathering old records and scheduling the required psychological evaluation.
To the best of my recall, the paperwork was filed with our insurance company on a Friday after 2pm and at 10am the following Monday, we got a call from Dr. Boyce's office that the procedure had been approved and Gene needed to come in and schedule surgery! I cried. Again. But this time, from happiness and relief! I cannot yet put into words what Gene's weight and subsequent health problems has done TO our lives.
Most of our friends are of the faith-based nature and have been in "religious" circles long enough to be familiar with the philosophy that sin you cannot beat is simply considered a spiritual weakness. Be that as it may (or may not), we have found comfort in Matthew 5:29 "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."(New American Standard Bible)
So, that is what Gene has done. He has "torn out" his stomach (except for a 2 oz pouch) and will be reminded of his sin and the grace that God provides to endure, every time he has a hunger pang...or smells food(s) that he loves...or comes to one of the many fellowship meals we enjoy over the course of a year with dear friends and family.
Here is my question, not only for you but myself as well: how serious am I willing to be about dealing with the "sin which so easily entangles us..." (Hebrews 12:1, NASB)?
And on a more light-hearted note, I am attaching a picture taken on May 31 at Uncle Bubba's Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. You may recognize him as Paula Deen's brother. Once he found out that Gene was prepping for gastric by-pass (which, by the way, is what he had on June 10, not lap-band) by eating his way through the south, Uncle Bubba brought out the plate of food to Gene while we waited for our table! Needless to say, we are now huge fans of Uncle Bubba and no, he and I did not dress alike intentionally, but we do look lovely, don't we?!
I will report on Gene's progress here and of course, attach photos as he melts down. Those of you who pray, please keep us in your prayers and those of you who don't, we will pray for you!
I remember being furious at him to the point of tears (it was dark and he couldn't see my misty eyes) and wondered what in the world it would take to get him to see the seriousness of the matter.
Some few months passed and FINALLY, his cardiologist Dr. Clint Doiron of East Tennessee Heart Consultants, suggested Gene accept the fact that he was not making any headway in this battle and go ahead and seriously consider surgery.
Our internist, Dr. James (Stephen) Alley of Knoxville Internal Medicine, agreed and recommended Dr. Stephen Boyce with Parkwest Comprehensive Weight Loss Center and the next thing you know, we are filling out paperwork, gathering old records and scheduling the required psychological evaluation.
To the best of my recall, the paperwork was filed with our insurance company on a Friday after 2pm and at 10am the following Monday, we got a call from Dr. Boyce's office that the procedure had been approved and Gene needed to come in and schedule surgery! I cried. Again. But this time, from happiness and relief! I cannot yet put into words what Gene's weight and subsequent health problems has done TO our lives.
Most of our friends are of the faith-based nature and have been in "religious" circles long enough to be familiar with the philosophy that sin you cannot beat is simply considered a spiritual weakness. Be that as it may (or may not), we have found comfort in Matthew 5:29 "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."(New American Standard Bible)
So, that is what Gene has done. He has "torn out" his stomach (except for a 2 oz pouch) and will be reminded of his sin and the grace that God provides to endure, every time he has a hunger pang...or smells food(s) that he loves...or comes to one of the many fellowship meals we enjoy over the course of a year with dear friends and family.
Here is my question, not only for you but myself as well: how serious am I willing to be about dealing with the "sin which so easily entangles us..." (Hebrews 12:1, NASB)?
And on a more light-hearted note, I am attaching a picture taken on May 31 at Uncle Bubba's Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. You may recognize him as Paula Deen's brother. Once he found out that Gene was prepping for gastric by-pass (which, by the way, is what he had on June 10, not lap-band) by eating his way through the south, Uncle Bubba brought out the plate of food to Gene while we waited for our table! Needless to say, we are now huge fans of Uncle Bubba and no, he and I did not dress alike intentionally, but we do look lovely, don't we?!
I will report on Gene's progress here and of course, attach photos as he melts down. Those of you who pray, please keep us in your prayers and those of you who don't, we will pray for you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
