Hello from Hawaii...just kidding! I wish! It has been awhile since I've checked in and my cousin Zack inspired me to start writing more blog posts from now on. It will help me continue to be accountable as well. So here goes nothing...or rather something. The last you heard of me I was skyrocketing to success with minimal weight loss, then got sidetracked by my brother's passing this year. Since then I've re-thought about the surgery option, simply because I am not seeing the results I should on my own. Believe it or not, taking on this challenge of weight loss alone is not only a physical obstacle daily, but a mind game as well. Vanessa and I actually went and received all the information about the surgery again because I felt I needed to be reminded what was involved.
As of yesterday...one story, that is all it took. I overheard someone talk to someone else that recently lost his sister, shortly after having this surgery done. Against previous advice about searching around the web for more information about the surgery's risks and other deaths related to the surgery...I felt compelled to do my own research before moving forward. What I found is scary...1 in 50 people die. Most of the people that end of dying or having complications ALL had risk factors that I currently have. Sleep Apnea, High BMI, Blood Clots and Heart Attacks run in our family, and my age is a factor as well.
Needless to say I got scared and talked it over with the Mrs. I can't do this surgery knowing that this risk is real and with all the research that explains that your body cannot handle THAT rapid of a weight loss. So I'm back to square one. Now I have funneled my research into other possibilities...I'm looking at a pre and post bariatric program through UofM that is essentially a monitored workout program, also a smaller training facility in Canton, and because I know Biggest Loser at one point was something I wanted to try...I also looked at the Biggest Loser Resorts that you can go to. ALL of these options is EXACTLY what I need. Knowledge + Monitoring + Follow Up + Repetitive Workouts + Accountability is the key to my SUCCESSFUL weight loss. That being said, the American health system, insurance, and our society is failing me. They will NOT pay for a program like this (and yes, the fees add up for someone who is out of work currently, and when I go back will still be stretching the bills) and NOT because it isn't successful but because sick people require more maintenance compared to healthy people, which means more doctors visits and drugs, which means more money for the ultra rich. I'm slowly dying, as we all are...I'm just doing it at an accelerated rate because of my weight. I need this change and I don't know if I'll get it. There is no "golden parachutes", no "assistance programs", no "healthy living plans" out there to help me pay for the health I so desperately want and need.
So I say to you...what do I do?
