MAY 28,2000
Here a I am again.  I wish I had some good news for you.  But I really don't.  Rhonda has not lost any more.  She has gained back to 180 as of this morning.
We discussed it this morning and she has finally realized what I think I knew a long time ago.  She has gotten all she is going to get out of the surgery.  She has lost a total of about 60 lbs.  She had a hundred to loose so that puts her at 60% of her goal.  I think that 80% is considered successful.  I believe that goal would be reached by watching calorie intake very carefully and regular exercise. These are not things Rhonda has done consistantly.
When she was in the hospital one of the nurses made the comment that the surgery was giving Rhonda a second chance to change her life. 
In the end it is up to Rhonda or any other individual that elects to have this surgery.
Yes, you will lose a certain amount of weight simply from the smaller size of the stomach, but in order to have real success you have to change more than the size of your stomach.
If you lead a sedintary lifestyle, success will elude you.
I don't want to sound too sound negative and I don't mean to beat up on Rhonda.  But I find it somewhat frustrating too. To think someone would allow themselves be cut from breast to navel because they want something so badly.
Any responcible surgeon will tell you wls is not a cure for obesity.
I mentioned last month that Rhonda and I had an appointment with a plastic surgeon.  I mentioned at the time I thought it was too soon.
The plastic surgeon didn't really agree with me.  He contended she could continue to lose weight without more sagging.  He was quite certain the amount of weight she would lose after the surgery would not defeat the purpose of the surgery.  I still question that line of thought.
It doesn't matter though, another $18,000 is really out of the question right now.
The point I am trying to make with all of this babble, I guess is that the surgery will only do so much.  Of course Rhonda and I both knew that going in, but now we have reached the reality of it.
                  She can no longer get on the treadmill about once or twice a week only if she feels like it.  She is going to have to become as dedicated to exercise and calorie management as she was in her persistence to get insurance approval.
I guess that is enough preaching for now.  God Bless until next time.

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