Inspiration!

What's up! 

My first major holiday, Thanksgiving, post weight loss surgery has come and gone.  It was much easier than I expected.  Real talk ... I thought I was going to be pissed because I thought after a few bites I would be full and couldn't get to taste everything on the plate.  It might sound crazy, but I ate in a circle.  I took a bite of turkey, a little dressing and some green beans and just repeated that process.  Who am I kidding, on the second go round I was -- as my grandmother, may God rest her soul -- full as a tick!  Now, I'm ready for Christmas.  Christmas is going to be extra special this year because I'm in Atlanta and my family (parents, sister, niece, nephew and my cousin) are coming to spend Christmas and my birthday with me.  I can't wait to see them. 

So, now to the INSPIRATION!  That's the title for this blog entry.  You never know it, but God brings people into your life for various reasons.  Last night (Monday) I got two messages from two friends.  I'm not going to name you, but I worked with both of them.  One has gone through the surgery and the second one is going through the process to get approved.  ***PLEASE SAY PRAYERS FOR BOTH OF THEM ... ALL THREE OF US ***  One of them had some questions and told me in a round about way -- I should do a better job of updating my blog -- which is funny she mentioned that because I was just saying to myself a few days ago I needed to update my blog.  So, your wish is my command.  I'm going to do a better job of updating my blog.  I'm going to try and write something at least three times a week.  One way to keep me updating my blog is I'm going to start blogging my exercise routines.  I will keep them brief, won't go into details, but this is a way to keep the few followers I have informed on my progress it will also help me stay on track and do the right things.  Because I know the first time I don't update 3 times a week my sister Wendy -- yes, I'm calling you out -- will be texting, emailing, Facebooking, Tweeting and any other form of communication to call me out/put me on blast.  I know what you're thinking: NO I HAVEN'T FELL OFF THE WAGON.  More real talk -- I'm going at about 90% instead of the 100% I was/should be doing.  I think getting the job, moving and getting settled here in Atlanta was a lot all at once.  Now that I'm here and getting more comfortable with the job I can stay in my lane ... I'm drifting into the slow lane. 

Also, I have to remember to stay PRAYED UP!  That brings me to the second message I got.  Man, those messages were back-to-back.  GOD is always looking out for me.  Thank you for putting those people in my life.  I have to stay prayed up.  I prayed and prayed to GOD asking for him to allow me to have the surgery.  I was saying it was what I needed to live a longer and a more fulfilled life.  HE gave me the desire of my heart.  Now I have to stay prayed up everyday.  Ask HIM to give me the strength I need to make it through the day, to exercise, make the right food choices, etc...

Thank you for your continued support. 

As always -- if you or if you know someone who is considering weight loss surgery please share my blog with that person.  Also give them my e-mail address.  I'd be more than happy to answer any questions/concerns that they may have. 

Love & Peace

My Light Bulb Moment!

Hey!

Yes, I know it's been a while since my last update.  Don't worry. Everything is fine!  Everything is OKAY! Everything is GREAT! 

When I titled this blog "The New Me" I had no idea what was in front of me.  For those of you who know me know God is the head of my life.  I can't do anything without Him.  He is the reason why I am where I am today.  I had no idea that naming this blog "The New Me" how much change I was speaking into my life. 

I had no idea that my insurance company was going to finally approve for me to have weight loss surgery.  Can you believe it's been 9 months!  WOW! No major weight loss to report, but I am losing inches.  Every time, I go to the store I'm shocked that I can fit an XL shirt.  That's insane, but GOD is good. 

So, aside from the weight loss surgery and the success I'm having with it, GOD continues to bless me.  I was ready to take the next step in my career and GOD showed up and showed out!  Not only did I have interviews/offers at TV stations in Hartford, CT and Rochester, NY ... but CNN -- yes CNN -- gave me a job.  I have to give all the praise, honor and glory to GOD!  Needless to say, Travis did win in 2010.  I try and come up with a positive statement (thanks to a bumper sticker for Holman Street Baptist Church in Houston) every year.  "Travis is going to win in 2010" was the statement I came up with back in September of 2009. 

I said all that to say this -- Be careful of the vibes you put out there because there is power in the words you speak.  I've heard that for years now, but NOW I have an understanding of how important that is.  I'm a witness.  A statement I made about 3/4 of the way into 2009 about what was going to happen in 2010 comes true. 

I wish you all the best.  I pray that all of you will get to experience the joy and happiness I have experienced this year. 

Life Goes On

Hey Readers,

It's been a while since my last post.  I think I'm well overdue.  Not a lot has happened since my last post.  Obviously, I've lost more weight.  I'm about 230.  For the first time, in a very long time, I feel great.  I recently had to go out and purchase two suits for a few "meetings" (read between the lines) and it was great to purchase a suit and not have to get MAJOR alterations.  Before my surgery I was wearing about a 54-56 in the chest.  This time around, I was able to buy a 46.  It may not seem like much to you all, but it was a big difference to me.  I was actually able to take the suit off the rack, go in the dressing room, put it on and it FIT.  The only thing the tailor had to fix was the cuff on the pants.  I wanted to scream from the rooftops.  Especially since, the first suit I bought was just like the one my late uncle, Harold Brown, -- who was one hell of a dresser -- bought and it's now my good luck suit. 

Me (at a "meeting") & one of my dearest friends Yvonne.
She's the morning anchor at NBC 30 in Hartford, CT.

Since I'm talking about sizes, I bought some jeans a few weeks ago and for the first time in a very, very, very long time the waist size was a 38.  That too is one hell of a jump considering I was a 52 or 54 before. 

As I approach my 7th month celebration of "The New Me" I have to say life is good.  I can't complain. 

As always, if you know someone who's considering weight loss and they need someone to talk to, feel free to send them my way.  I'm happy to talk to and help people in anyway possible.

Thank all of you for your support, kind words and prayers.  I really appreciate it. 

Love and Peace. 

Working Through It!

Hello everyone.  It's been a while since I've updated my blog -- about a month and a half -- so here goes.  For the most part my blog posts have been pretty good and upbeat, but this time I'm going to talk about a few serious issues I'm dealing with.  Don't worry, I'm not regretting my decision, just somethings I'm going through.  Remember, when I first started this blog, my goal was to be upfront and honest about what I'm going through with my readers/followers. 

As many of you know, my decision to have weight loss surgery and to actually go through with the procedure was a long process.  Growing up, I was always the little chubby kid that was running around and keeping up with my friends.  For some of you who knew me as a child I dealt with some self-esteem issues.  Around the age of 20 ... maybe 21 ... I had reached the point in my life where I accepted things.  I accepted the fact that I was going to be a big guy for the rest of my life.  For once I was happy with my life and where things were going.  (Allow my to go off course for a second or two... I had the surgery for health reasons, type 2 diabetes.  I didn't have the surgery to get skinny or be more appealing to others.)  After I getting my surgery approved I just figured my life would only get better ... remember I was at a point to where I was happy with things.  But, I'm dealing with an ugly demon ... one I WASN'T expecting to rear its ugly head.  SELF-ESTEEM! 

This may sound crazy, but now, to a certain point, I'm dealing with self-esteem issues again.  I hear a lot of people tell me that I look great, nice and all that stuff, but I just don't see it.  Most of the time, I put up a good front b/c I think that's what people expect, but it's tough.  Remember, I had accepted the fact that I was going to be the "old" Maestro ... sorry Travis ... (my entire family and childhood friends call me Maestro) the big guy, more than likely single for ever.  I made peace with that and was ready to live my life to the best of my ability.  Now, when I pass by the mirror or see pictures of myself, I feel uncomfortable with what I see staring back at me (in the mirror) or the person posing in the picture.  I don't see the handsome, good looking guy people say I am. 

Is that crazy or what? I'm not exactly sure how to handle it.  I didn't think it would be so hard to accept the "new" me.  I guess it's just a part of the process.  I'm sure things will get better. 

I didn't write this post to get people to feel sorry for me, but I just wanted to get it off my chest. 

That's it.  To quote my good friend Sherry Williams.  Good Night Friends & Neighbors. 

It's Been A While....

Before you all jump on me, I know it's been a while since I've updated my blog and I promise I will do a better job of updating it. 

So much has happened since my last update.  I will start with the recent stuff and try to work my way back (if my brain will go back that far). 

I had my 3 month post-op visit last Thursday, before boarding a plane for the ATL (I'll get to that in a few), and everything is good.  I have lost about 85 pounds.  I know it's a lot.  I was pretty overwhelmed when I got on the scale.  The doctor wants me to do a video for his website.  I'll send out the link once it's posted.  While, I don't have a whole lot of loose skin, I do have flab under my arms.  So, when I wave to people I'm sending them some extra love.  LOL!  Before going to my surgeon for a follow-up, I did go to my PCP, primary care physician, and he too gave me a clean bill of health.  All of my blood work was good and in the normal range.  I guess he didn't check to see if I was crazy, because that test would have been off the charts. 

I am still having a hard time holding down certain foods.  Which is to be expected.  My doctor and several people who have become family have told me it's going to take a bit before I can hold some foods down.  I'm also having trouble getting in my fluids.  Yes, I know it's important, but not being able to eat/drink at the same time is what throws me off.  So, that's something I have to work on. 

As I mentioned earlier, I flew to ATL for the weekend.  For the first time in a number of years, I didn't have to ask for a seat belt extender.  Not only did I not need one, I was able to sit in the seat with a little, and I do mean little, wiggle room, put on the seat belt and pull the strap tight.  YEAH!!!!  I haven't been able to do that in a while.  Another bonus, I bought some clothes, just a few things, and for the first time in a number of years, I was finally able to get into a size 46.  However, I bought them on Wednesday and by Friday they were too big.  Thankfully, I can get them taken in.  As far as shirts go, I can get into a 2X and breath, but I just don't think it looks right so for right now, I'm sticking with a 3X shirt, but it too doesn't look right ... I guess I'm at the awkward stage people talk about. 

I'm actually starting to noticed in pictures that I've lost a considerable about of weight.  By the way, check out the pictures I took in ATL.  I had a blast. 

2010 is the year of The NEW ME! I have to give all credit and praise to GOD.  Without HIM I would not be where I am today. 

Eating Is Overrated

Yes, the title of this blog entry is "Eating is Overrated."  Now, I can start eating food again.  Most people would be excited about eating for the first time in eight (8) weeks ... yes eight (8) weeks, but let me tell you ... It is overrated. 

I am at the point -- post surgery -- where I can start eating again.  I have to admit, I was pretty excited about eating something for the first time on Sunday.  It went down, but didn't want to stay.  Eating has been pretty tough.  I have moments when I'm really hungry, but when I eat a few bites of something I am super stuffed.  The best way to describe the feeling is this:  imagine how you'd feel after eating 2 big plates on Thanksgiving/Christmas afternoon.  The first time you want to do is go to sleep.  At least that's how it was for me prior to surgery.  This morning I had a bowl of instant grits.  One of the individual packets.  I had about 2.5 teaspoons and was stuffed.  For me being stuffed is a feeling of misery. 

One thing I'm having trouble with right now is remembering not to drink 30 minutes before/after and during meals.  That's tough.  Most -- if not everyone -- does that.  I have had a difficult time getting my fluids in.  After eating something, I'll look up and 2 or 3 hours would have passed and I say to myself, "damn, I forgot to drink something." 

I'm still very happy with me decision to have the surgery.  If I knew then what I know not, I would not change me mind.  I'd still go through with the surgery. 

That's all folks....

Another Milestone

I have reached another milestone while traveling on this weight loss road.  Last night, Friday, March 26, 2010, I attended the Houston Association of Black Journalists gala.  Roland S. Martin, he has a show on TV1, CNN commentator and is also on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, was the speaker. 

About two weeks before the gala I started to worry about what I was going to wear.  I was afraid to buy a new suit, because I would run the risk of having to get it altered twice because I'm steady losing weight.  So, I looked in my closet to see what I could find.  I looked at my favorite suit and thought to myself, "probably still too small, but maybe one day soon."  Tried on a couple of other suits and they were huge.  Didn't want to get them altered because I'd have to pay for a recut.  If I did that, I might as well just buy a new suit.  For some reason, my favorite suit was there and sticking out like a sore thumb.  So, for giggles and grins I tried it on.  HOLY CRAP!  It fits.  Not only that, I had to get the jacket and vest taken in.  Now, there's a huge smile on my face. 

Needless to say, I wore my favorite suit to last night's gala.  Wearing it felt good and in turn I guess it made me feel good.  One of my good friends -- who's been one of biggest supporters over the last 9 years -- you have an extra bounce in your step tonight.  She went on to say, "This is the Travis I knew was inside of you, but I was just waiting for you to see him."  Tears came to her eyes.  I told her to stop crying, because I was not going to get emotional in this hotel lobby with a room full of people. 

I've attached two pictures from last night's gala so everyone can see my new milestone -- getting into my favorite suit. 

                                          Travis Sattiewhite & 39 News Anchor Mia Gradney

                                   Travis Sattiewhite & 39 News Content Coordinator Morgahn Miller

As always, thanks for reading my blog.  Thanks for sending my words of encouragement and most importantly, thanks for your PRAYERS. 

One month and a few days...

I have hit the one month post-surgery mark.  I actually hit it back on March 17th.  Instead of typing out the post, I'm uploading a video.  Hopefully it will work. 

Before And After

22 days ago I began the a new journey.  22 days ago I had weight loss surgery.  Some people have wanted to see some pictures.  So, here you go.  The one on the left was taken the morning of the surgery.  It was taken by my sister Wendy at her place.  The picture on the right was taken tonight, Tuesday, March 9th, 2010.  While, I still have a long way to go I just wanted to share a picture with everyone. 

New Milestone

So, I have now started Stage 3 of the food process.  This stage consists of puree foods.  Not the best, but something is better than nothing. 

Here are some of the things I've been eating:  Malt-O-Meal; Grits; sting cheese and yogurt -- not my favorite, the smell makes me sick.  I've also been drinking my shakes. 

The hard part is not drinking 30 minutes before/after eating.  If I drink something during the window it comes right back up.  Sorry to be gross, but it is what it is. 

I have been working out, slowly, over the last few weeks.  Thanks Dr. Scarborough for letting me do some sort of activity. 

That's all folks. 

First Post-Op Appointment

Tuesday, March 2nd, was my first post-op doctors appointment.  I was given two thumbs up.  As of Tuesday I dropped around 8 pounds from my "Unofficial" post.  Now, I'm a whopping 320 pounds.  So, since starting the two week pre-op diet I'm down a total of 44 pounds.  WOW!  I can't believe it.   Just 100 more to go.  I'm well on my way.  Quick funny story.  Everybody in my family calls me Maestro.  Why that name?  Another story and I'll explain another day.  In addition to calling me Maestro my sister, Wendy, calls me Pork Chop.  Don't ask me where she got that from.  But when she saw me for the first time in about a week she said, "I can't call you pork chop anymore I'll have to start calling you lunch meat."  Why lunch meat and where it came from I don't know.  Anyway.  You're probably thinking that's not funny, but I think it is.  I guess you had to be there.  OH WELL!  Maybe next time I'll hit a homerun in the jokes section. 

For the first time today I went to the gym at my apartment complex and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes.  According to the machine, I walked a little more than a mile-and-a-half and burned about 250 calories.  I asked the doc when I could start lifting weights.  He told me to weight a few more weeks.  I guess lifting weights could cause some damage. 

So far all of my entires have been on the positive side.  Thank GOD I have had nothing but positive thoughts and progress.  Now here comes a negative comment.  I would really call it negative, I would call it a "Keeping it Real" moment.  Believe it or not, I'm actually hungry.  Yes, I said, "I'm hungry."  Keep in mind, I haven't had anything solid for the past month.  I'm craving a homemade taco.  At some point, I figured my hunger would return, but didn't expect it to return 2 weeks after surgery.  Needless to say, I'm about three to four weeks before I can consume anything solid.  I start what could be considered the worst part of this recovery process Sunday.  Sunday is when I start stage three of my post-op diet.  You wanna know what it is?  Here goes.  According to the good folks over at TLC Surgery -- Dr. Terry Scarborough is the best surgeron on the face of the earth -- it's called "Puree Protein Diet."  Yes folks.  For the next 3 weeks I will be putting my food in a blender.  Honestly, I don't know how in the hell that's going to work.  The idea of cooking something then putting it in a blender is crazy.  I know I'll get through it.  I've made it this far.  Plus, GOD won't give me more than I can bare.  Honestly, if I can make it drinking nothing but clear liquids and eating sugar-free jello for two weeks I can do just about anything. 

Here's where my aunt Marchelle comes in.  By the way, Marchelle has been my constant source of information and piece of mind before, during and after the surgery.  She's going to give me some of the information and things she did during this stage to help me out.  Marchelle -- I hope she doesn't mind me putting her info out there, but oh well -- had lap band about three years ago and she looks FANTASTIC.  I don't know how much weight she's lost, but she looks great.

That's all for today.  Until next time.

Peace and Love.

Thank God For Insurance

The first of many EOB (Explaniation Of Benefits) hit my e-mail inbox today.  I have to say right off the bat, thank GOD for insurance.  I don't care how you feel about President Barack Obama or which side of the healthcare debate you are on, but healthcare reform is way overdue.  Now, I'm thankful to have insurance, but for those who don't have it, I can't even imagine what it is like. 

I hope you all read my previous entry about the long fight and battle I had with the insurance company to get them to pay for the procedure. 

The hospital submitted charges nearly $62,000.  Seems like a lot right.  Well, I did have major surgery and stayed in the hospital about 3 days.  But the insurance company only paid about $11,000.   It seem unfair doesn't.  I've heard from insurance company reps and from other people the insurance companies won't pay for certain tests or procedures because the costs is just too high.  the scerenio above doesn't seem like a lot.  Seems like they are paying pennies on the dollar for the procedure.  So, whay are they being so picky about what they cover and don't cover.  When the insurance companies are getting such great prices.   Maybe I'm just going on and on, but I just sayin'.  Things that make you go hmmm. 

Unofficial

What up?  Last week was a long one.  It was my first week at home since the surgery.  I was so bored I went to visit my sister at work.  Actually, I went for selfish reasons.  She works at a doctors office and I wanted to get on the scale and see how much weight I lost.  I think I was up front with that when I told her I coming over there. 

So, that's what the title of this post is "Unofficial."  I got on the scale and saw how much weight I lost.  Yes, I'm going us use real numbers.  The day of the surgery, Feb. 17 (my new birthday) I weighed in at 352lbs.  According to the scale at the office were she works I was 328, on Thursday, Feb. 25th.  So, that's a difference of 24 pounds.  When I started this journey -- 2 weeks before 2/17 to be exact -- I was 364 pounds.

I'm looking forward to my official dr. visit on Tuesday.  I'll get an update on how I'm doing.  How my wounds are healing and all that stuff. 

I'll update my blog then.  

Love & Peace.

Recovering

This is my first blog entry in several days.  One week ago today I was at Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center about 8 hours post Gastric Sleeve surgery.  Oh, boy was I in pain.  Aside from the pain, I was out of my mind.  To quote my dear friend Mia Gradney I was acting "OOC" (out of control).  Apparently, I was talking to myself.  Didn't recognize my parents, sister, family and other friends. 

Fast forward to today.  I'm home and recovering.  For the most part, recovery has been pretty easy.  I did have one setback.  I did spend Monday evening at Memorial Hermann's emergency room.  I was very dehydrated.  My tounge was white, my urine was very, very dark (one of the main signs of dehydration).  I have to say my surgeron, Dr. Terry Scarborough with TLC Surgery, is the best.  When I was discharged he gave me his personal cell number and told me if I or my family had any questions to call him on that line. Now that's what I call service.  Opps....  A little of track.  So, while in the ER, I was given two bags of IV drip and was sent home after all my blood work came back okay. 

The big question a lot of friends have been asking me is can you eat yet?  The answer is NO!  At this point I am on a full liquid diet -- minus the adult beverages.  LOL!  The goal of this diet, known as stage 2, is to drink at least 48 fluid ounces with a minimum of 45 grams of protein/eventually getting up to 60 grams.  I will be on this stage for about 2 weeks.

For the first time today -- I felt really hungry.  Which is strange.  Because when I was doing the 2 week pre-op liquid diet, I really wasn't hungry.  I talked to my aunt, who had lap band a few years ago and she said during this stage the hunger feeling doesn't really go away. 

My first post-op doctor's appt is scheduled for March 2nd.  That's when I'll find out how much weight I've lost since the surgery.  I'm trying to remember how much I weighed the morning of the surgery. 

I almost forgot.  I'm sure many of you knew I was a type 2 diabetic.  I took my last insulin shot sometime during the early, and i do mean early, morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 18th.  My blood sugar was about 187.  Since then, my blood sugars have been normal.  Probably better than normal.  Actually, I highest blood sugar reading I've had was 105.  There is a real good chance this surgery will eliminate my diabetes.  Seems like I'm on my way. 

If you know someone who's considering weight loss surgery and they're trying to decide if the surgery is or isn't for them, tell them to check out my blog.  Even tell them to shoot me an e-mail, thenm2010@gmail.com 

That's all for now.

Love & Peace

Travis

I'm Home

Travis is finally home.  After 3.5 days in the hospital I'm home.  I'm so glad to be home. 

Knocking on wood, the pain has gone down a lot.  This is going to be a short entry because I'm tired. 

Today Is The Day

WOW!  I finally made it.  It's 3:34 a.m. and I'm sitting in the living room of my apartment getting ready to head over to my sister's house.  That's where my parents are and they are my ride to the hospital.  I have to say, I really didn't sleep well.  While, I really didn't think about the surgery much, I guess my brain was working overtime on a wide variety of other random topics. 

Well, I packed a bag last night so all I have to do is put on some clothes and head on out. 

How excited am I you ask?  On a scale of 1 to 10 I'm at about a 100.  LOL! 

Anyway.  This is my last entry pre-surgery.  I'll see you on the other side. 

Travis

Just One Day Away

WOW!  I can't believe it.  I'm just one day away from the surgery.  I'm not nervous.  Just ready for it to get here already.  The best way to describe it is ... I'm a kid the night before the first day of school.  Ready to show off my new kicks, backpack and my bad ass Trapper Keeper.  LOL! 

So, here's what on tap for today:  Hitting the barber shop, getting my truck washed, buying some hospital pjs and packing a bag. 

Well, I'm off.  For now.  See you guys on the other side. 

Almost There

This is my first update in a few weeks.  By this time on Wednesday, Feb. 17th, I should be resting in a Memorial Hermann Hospital Room recovering from my surgery.  The surgery is scheduled for 7:30 that morning.  I'm not really worried about the procedure I'm just ready to get it over with.  It's been a long process and now I'm just waiting.  Friday was my last day at work.  I have a lot of things I want to and need to get done before Wednesday so Monday is going to be a pretty busy day.  I only plan on packing for my hospital stay Tuesday and that's it. 

Be sure to check back on Wednesday for an update on the surgery. 

Until then. 

Great News

Great News is an appropriate title for this entry.  Wednesday morning, 12/4/10, the long awaited phone call finally came through.  I answered the phone and Jill Staggs was on the other end.  She said she had great news.  Everything was in order and I needed to get with the surgeon's office for a surgery date. 

So, as soon as I got off the phone with Jill I called the doc's office and they gave me a surgery date.  It's a little less than 2 weeks away. 

Needless to say, I'm so excited.

Waiting on Others....

It's been a while since my last post.  I decided to title this post "Waiting on Others...." would be an appropriate one because I'm doing just that ... waiting on others. 

Sometimes waiting on others can be pretty difficult.  I've had my psych exam for the surgery and now it's in the hands of the doctor's office.  The good thing is the office has started filing the necessary paperwork with the insurance company, which is a good thing, but now I have to wait. 

I'm hoping to get the surgery scheduled ASAP.  I'm really looking forward to what's to come in the days leading up to and after the surgery. 

I'll keep you posted.

Moving Closer

Good news.  I'm one step closer to getting the all important authorization/approval number.  My case was assigned a case manager today.  I actually spoke with her.  Obviously, I got her direct phone number and ext.  Some of the things the insurance company originally required for approval are no longer needed.  However, I will have to take a psych exam.  They want to make sure I'm not crazy before having the surgery.  HA!  I'm not crazy.  I'm so ready. 

Until next time.  Have a good weekend.

Waiting...

This is my second blog entry.  I'm pretty excited about this. 

Eventhough I was told by the insurance company my insurance was going to approve the surgery I was expecting to hear from someone today.  That person was supposed to call me and give me the very important details that I need to pass on to the surgeon's office. 

Originally, I was going to have the surgery in mid-March, but got word today I can do it earlier.  I hope to get it done by the end of the month.  If that's the case it would be so awesome. 

Hopefully, I'll get additional info Thursday. 

I'll keep you all posted.

We've Only Just Begun

Thanks for taking the time to read my first blog post.  I've wanted to blog for the last few years, but didn't have anything to really blog about ... not that's changed. 

Family and close friends have known for years that I've been fighting with my health insurance company to have it pay for weight loss surgery. 

When God shows up he shows out!  That he did. Get this, yesterday I was sitting in Dr. Terry Scarbrough's (TLC Surgery) office when I noticed I missed a call.  I checked the call log and realized it was Cynthia with United Healthcare.  So, I listened to her voicemail and the important thing I remember was "call me back when you get a change ... I've got good news." 

Needless to say, I was nervous and called Cynthia back.  After telling me what all she did she said this, "we're going to approve the surgery."  I said, "it's approved, just like that."  She responded, "yes, it's approved."    At that moment in time, I stopped and thanked GOD for answering my prayers.  Then I told my parents who were at the appointment with me.  They were happy then I called my sister. 

Shortly after getting the news the doc walks in and says "what's new!"  I'm sure he wasn't expecting me to say my surgery has been approved. 

So --- Here's what supposed to happen today.  Lashaun with TLC Surgery will call Memorial Hermann hospital and schedule the surgery.  As of now, we've settled on a date of March 15th. 

Be sure to check back often as I will update the progress.