Sunflower's Musings

[Sunflower]

Hello friends! I joined this site a year ago. Today is my birthday, and therefore, time for me to reflect on the past. It is also Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which is also a time for reflection. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This time three years ago, I was choosing a surgeon and scheduling a double mastectomy. I then went through several months of chemotherapy, lost all of my hair, almost went bankrupt from loss of work, and thought I was going to leave my children to be raised without a mother. Two years ago, I returned to work fulltime, and struggled to regain my strength, my energy, my very life! It was hard, but somehow I made it through. A year ago I was at my wit's end and so sick, tired, embarrassed, and mad at myself for being fat. A year ago, I wasn't totally convinced that I wanted to get sleeved, but after reading so many of your posts, I quickly made up my mind. By October, I had made an appointment with a surgeon who my insurance would cover. That guy was a total jerk! One thing cancer had taught me: never do something medically that feels wrong. And--doctor's are not gods and you owe them nothing, espcially if they're rude and obnoxious. After meeting him, I made up my mind that I would go to Mexico. After getting creative and finding a way to finance a surgery I never thought I would be able to afford, I finally got sleeved on March 10th of this year by Dr. Ramos-Kelly in Tijuana--a great guy; very skilled and a tru e gentleman!

I began my pre-op diet weighting in at 280. Today, I am 201.2. (yes I need to change my ticker). My goal was to be in onederland by my birthday, but it didn't happen. This is a bit of a disappointment, but I choose to look at it positively because I know it will happen soon: I am 78 pounds lighter than I was a year ago--heck! 6 months ago! I am almost off blood pressure medication. My cholesterol is down 20 points. I wear a size 14, instead of a 22-24. People pay me compliments every day. I have more stamina. I feel pretty. All this has improved my confidence. I feel that I can LIVE life.

My family has a tradition on birthdays. We go to our favorite local Japanese restaurant. This evening I ordered my favorite sushi roll, and could not even eat 1/2 of it. I felt so bad "wasting" food. My husband asked me, "did you enjoy what you had?" I nodded yes. "Then how is it a waste?" I am stuffed. I couldn't even eat a piece of my own birthday cake, but the kids enjoyed it. This sleeve saves me from myself every day because I simply cannot over eat. Today, I am 49 years old. A year from now, I will be 50, and probably healthier than I was at 35. If there are any of you reading this who are on the fence about getting sleeved, I can tell you that for me this was the very best decision I have ever made.

Thanks for reading my ramble! L'Shana Tova!

[michelleb]

Love it! Congrats! Happy birthday! Shana tovah!

[xxtac66]

Happy Birthday and happy Rosh Hashana! You have always inspired me, Sunflower, and you have always had great advice for people. You are a true rockstar and even though you are a sneeze away from onderland, you are as good as THERE! You are fantastic! I enjoyed your post...Hugz!

[cecilia55]

Awesome post. Thank you for the inspiration. I know you had a great birthday!

[Boricua2012]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! By reading your post you have inspired me very much! I'm 29yrs old lady and have a great family a 2 yr old and fantastic husband!! I was sleeved a month ago and im down 27 lbs already. Your truly have been watched by God and that's amazing!! Great for you keep your head up and pushing foward! Best of luck and God bless

[PKnorr]

Congrats and happy birthday!

[midnight]

Happy Birthday!

[hope4me]

Happy birthday to you and many more. Thanks for sharing your post with us. It was so inspiring to me. I lone to feel as you do and I believe this surgery is going to be a life changer for me. Be blessed.

[niamh]

Humbling and inspiring, thank you!! This surgery must have felt like a walk in the park compared to what you were able to overcome with such tenacity a few years ago. I admire you for taking control of what you needed to, in order to gain back your health. Thanks for sharing.

Oh, and happy happy birthday. Your health is a much better celebration than a slice of cake!

[Gayle]

Happy Birthday, chica! Who needs cake when we have a healthier you with us?
You have been through so much, and will probably go through more as your life unfolds, but you are now healthier and more able to handle it. What a blessing! I wish you all things good and lovely for this new year and every year.
God Bless, Sunflower! oh! and Hugs!

[aboutime4me]

You truly are a woman of great courage and moxy! Kudos to you on so many levels. Thank you for sharing your story with us. As you've gone through all these things I'm sure God has truly blessed you with what you needed at the time although faced with cancer and financial distress isn't the picture we'd like to have in our lives, it was your reality. Isn't it amazing how when we look back on our lives just how we've gotten through it all?

On this your birthday, I'm sure you know your faith is a very big part in all of this. You had the courage to fight, to go on and make the decision to be sleeved which much like for me, has been a life saver and the best decision. Now your life is before you, happier, healthier and with much promise. May this promise always be a part of your psyche and faith journey. Happy birthday!

[pack89]

AWWW Sunflower, I just want to crawl through the computer and give you a big hug! You helped me so much when I was diagnosed back in Dec and gave me such kind words of encouragement when I had my double mastectomy. It's amazing what you have been through and came out on the other side a healthier you. This road isn't always easy, it takes a lot of courage and conviction, and like they say..."What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" And you my sister, are the epitome of that!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

[scgal21]

Happy Birthday Sunflower!! You are a fighter, a survivor and a true inspiration!! Have a wonderful day!

[Fran71]

Shana Tovah Happy Birthday x what a triumph ! Truly amazing thank you for sharing x

[dogs&cats]

Happy Birthday and congratulations on your journey and weight loss!