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Post by Leonie on Apr 13, 2014 7:00:27 GMT -5
This weekend our youngest Graduated with a degree in Maths and Music. It is such an honour to share this important rite of passage with her and the wonderful community of Grahamstown. It was also super cool feeling tiny next to my little girl. I know it is the robes, but this pic sure tickled me. We are now on our way to yet another tea party. (With more yummy little cakes) Tomorrow we do the 12 hour drive home.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2014 7:47:20 GMT -5
That is awesome Leonie. What a wonderful accomplishment and milestone in her life, and for you as well. You should be very proud of this young lady. Congratulations to you and your family. BTW, you look wonderful but your daughter appears to be a wee bit taller than you. Did she get that height from Dad?
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Post by Leonie on Apr 13, 2014 11:26:11 GMT -5
Yep, I am the shortie of the family.
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Post by Girlrocker on Apr 13, 2014 14:11:41 GMT -5
Wonderful news about your daughter, congrats! I have had the pleasure of meeting one of them, that you have done well with your children is very apparent. You look gorgeous in this photo, more like another sister than a mom
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indianamom
Full Member
Posts: 210
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: January 17, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Vivek Prachand (Univ. of Chicago)
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Post by indianamom on Apr 13, 2014 18:46:28 GMT -5
How wonderful Leonie! Mom and daughter are both very pretty!
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Post by xr7conv on Apr 14, 2014 11:52:42 GMT -5
That is fantastic for you and your daughter!! You are looking great. Enjoy the celebrations.
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Post by hilary1617 on Apr 16, 2014 17:02:48 GMT -5
Leonie, You look like sisters rather than mother and daughter! I am so happy for you both! Congratulations from another maths girl!!!
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Post by Leonie on Apr 22, 2014 3:43:04 GMT -5
Two Years and an AdventureThis weekend I celebrated my two year surgi-anniversary. It was not such a big deal for me, as I am becoming used to life with the new me. I am normal, not skinny, healthy, strong, eating well, and simply loving life. At 48 I am beginning to do some of the things I missed out on all these years. So, we went with friends on a hiking weekend in the mountains. These pics are from the web. The folks we went with are trail running enthusiasts. At about 4:30 pm on the day of our arrival,they decided to go for a 'short' run. Hubby was tired so I decided to follow them a short ways, then turn back to camp. All I took was my water pack, and emergency kit. No, not your standard rations, space blanket, first aid and whistle. I am talking about my little spade and toilet paper! Not even a protein bar. They said there are two routes, 9km and 2.7km. They were doing the short one. The walk was lovely and all too soon I reached the kloof or gulley with a crystal clear stream. I decided to follow the trail up a little bit. It was quite steep, but it felt great clambering up the rocks without hubby holding a hand or giving me a shove. When I stopped to catch my breath, I realized that it would be l lot harder following the markers designed for a one way journey. It would also be a heck of a lot tougher going down this way. I could see the top of the ridge. What the heck, lets keep going. We do hikes this long in 45minutes and the route down will be lots easier... Well, that ridge was not the top of the hill, neither was the next one. The rocks were steep, the crossings slippery and I felt so amazingly empowered! This was tough, and I could do it!! I reached the escarpment, with more rocky cliffs towering above me, but now it was around the hill and down again. So I thought. Nobody had said anything about the steep gulleys, sheer drops and overgrown markers. The shadows became longer and I had to really work to stay on the track. When the route swung around and up again I realized that I might be on the long trail. I was not going to make it down this mountain before dark! I did not even have a torch! The baboons started barking in the cliffs above me. I knew I had to keep going, no stopping, no resting. I could not get lost, I could not get hurt. I was slowly going down, and this valley seemed familiar. When I blundered through a massive spider web, I knew that I was definitely on a different path. I later learnt that these webs were from golden orb spiders and so intimidating that the others had very carefully crawled underneath. Finally the path went steeply down. By now it was fully dark and I just kept the stream to my right. Occasionally I would spot a yellow marker and know I was still on my way home. Thankfully the turn away from the stream was clearly marked and rocks were stacked to make an easy path. Suddenly There was ominous roaring. There are leopards in these mountains. The baboons set up an awful screaming, with one yelp cut short and lots of angry bellowing echoing around me. The stile that crossed into the campsite was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. For the first time I started hollering. "I am home, I'm OK". I had done the trip in only 45 minutes more than the runners. All the men were out searching for me, and fortunately heard our combined shouting. The is no cell reception here. I felt so embarrassed. Everyone was worried, people had risked their lives going out to look for me. Yet I also felt elated. I had done this. It was actually a 5,5km hike, and by far the roughest terrain we had ever tackled. Alfred and I did it again the next day. It took us twice as long and even for him with his long legs it was tough. We lost the trail twice in the middle of the day. Yet I had made it in the dark. Walking the trail again, I kept saying stuff like 'here is where I thought I was on the long route, 'here I thought I was going to have to spend the night. The big yellow spider sat in the tattered remains of her golden web. I would never ever have had such an adventure if it were not for the DS. At 147kg, I knew I was dying. I might live till I was 86 like my granny, but like her, I would be bound to a chair and a bed. I would have diabetes, heart disease, high colestorol and hopelessness. Instead, I am already plotting our next adventure. I am still going to do that long hike I never got to. I want to do the short walk again, until it is just that, a short walk.
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Butterfly
Junior Member
Posts: 57
Surgery Type: VSG
Surgery Date: 26/03/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Andrei Keidar
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Post by Butterfly on Apr 22, 2014 3:54:13 GMT -5
Amazing!!! You are an inspiration to this newbie.
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Post by willowrayne on Apr 22, 2014 6:01:55 GMT -5
Wow! You go girl! What a great story and what a great accomplishment.
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Post by Leonie on May 14, 2014 10:49:13 GMT -5
I guess my journey is going through a bumpy bit and I want to record it here too: I have a really big hernia that needs to be repaired. Hopefully I will be able to have my tummy tucked and slimmed down too. We are busy with the insurance process. I feel very pregnant and it is getting worse by the day. I have a surgery date 10 June, a month from now. I do not want to wait that long, but this gives more time for miracles. The plastic surgeon office could not even give me the insurance codes because they never even bother to attempt to claim. The general surgeons office feel confident that my hernia is so big that they will have to pay. Perhaps I will dig up some treasure in the veggie garden... I am also seeing an urologist. I think my bladder needs some tying up or whatever. I am just following a hunch with this. When I was researching the DS, I saw that many people get hernias with open surgery. I kind of thought that if it were to happen to me, it would just be a ticket for free plastics. Now I know that hernias are serious and really no fun. I dread the thought that my belly will be filled with mesh or that I might even have complications. Now I just have to deal with the reality of another major surgery.
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Post by Leonie on Jun 19, 2014 2:05:22 GMT -5
I have been watching the carbs and lost 800g this week. - It could also just be the normal fluctuation though. Last night was Desiree's birthday. Our eldest daughter turned 27! I celebrated by having my very first milkshake in two years! Oh my, it was yummy. A Horlicks and Honey concoction with extra cream. The scary thing is that it only gave me a bit of the gurgly grumbles and has left me feeling bloated this morning. I did keep the carbs super low all day and had lamb chops as the main course. I am still waiting for the hernia surgery. I realized that the plastic surgeon I was consulting was really more interested in botox and not the best choice for a massive weight loss reconstructive surgery. So now I am going with the more experience surgeon who is unfortunately also extremely busy. I am scheduled for 28 August. Being impatiently patient. I love spending time with my grandchildren. This is Joakim. He is six months old and a real cutie.
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Post by west4thavenue on Jun 19, 2014 8:40:48 GMT -5
Leonie, you look so beautiful! August 28 will be here before you know it! Adorable Joakim will keep you company while you wait!
Thanks for posting the photo.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 19, 2014 16:59:03 GMT -5
You continue to inspire; your grace is unsurpassed, you look SO lovely. Your grandbaby is PRECIOUS, though you look more like the mome! xo And we are in this hernia/PS thing together!
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Post by xr7conv on Jun 19, 2014 18:23:56 GMT -5
You are looking great and sound like you are in a great place overall. You will do well and use the time to your advantage. I think all good plasyc surgeons are busy and booked out months. It is the same here.
I know you will but keep us updated.
Take care!
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 19, 2014 19:04:35 GMT -5
Beautiful pic!
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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indianamom
Full Member
Posts: 210
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: January 17, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Vivek Prachand (Univ. of Chicago)
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Post by indianamom on Jun 19, 2014 19:41:06 GMT -5
Absolutely beautiful - both of you!
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Post by Leonie on Jun 20, 2014 3:34:11 GMT -5
Thanks folks, you are all super sweet. Yes, I am happy to wait for the new surgeon as I would blame myself if anything went wrong.
Sharyl, is there any progerss with your approval?
I am having a hard time staying active. A fast walk that does not even get my heart rate up, makes me feel uncomfortable, so I am being super lazy. This "Lumpy" must not get any bigger. It also sucks that I cannot pick Joakim up, but at least I can sit on the floor with him!
Lumpy - my granddaughter's name for Heffalump and I have a Helluv-a-lump
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Post by Leonie on Aug 27, 2014 8:26:37 GMT -5
Hernia repair and Abdominoplaty tomorrow!
I feel totally drained after an epic battle with the insurance. Admittedly, mostly they were on my side, fighting the bureaucracy and red tape together. First I had to apply for the abdominoplasty. Until this year it has been totally excluded, but there is a "Cosmetic Pilot" program and I qualify. Whoop. The cosmetic part will be covered 80% up to a limit.
Then, last Friday, the bombshell is dropped. The hernia repair is now under the Cosmetic scheme, and it comes to at least double their limit. I spent Monday and Tuesday on the phone, at the insurance office and at the surgeons offices. Suddenly they wanted all kinds of new evidence. They realized that I had self-paid for the DS, and now they must decide if they can pay for the hernia. Under our current plan it is covered, but it was excluded when I had the DS. This morning they held a meeting. Very apologetically they called at 11am. They have still not reached a conclusion about the incisional hernia, can I please postpone surgery until they decide? umm NO. (with some tears and desperation in my voice) Ok, let me try figure something out. this is really not your fault because you applied months ago, with full disclosure about the DS. I had even let them know at the time of the DS.
At 2pm I get an approval letter. Someone else, unbeknownst to my consultant, had taken matters into their own hands and changed the diagnosis to an Umbilical / Paraumbilical hernia. Same thing, different name, but no problem with prior surgery, it could happen to anyone. APPROVED!!!!
So right now I am packing my bag. I have a cooler full of butter, cream, protein bars and eggs. Another cooler is filled with snacks for hubby, and minimal stuff for myself. At 5 pm I will be drinking some gross fluid through a straw. Tomorrow morning I head to the hospital.
Right now I am totally exhausted, exhilarated and thankful.
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Post by Girlrocker on Aug 27, 2014 9:49:54 GMT -5
Ohhhh, my dear Leonie, the joy I feel for you, the relief...I really can't get over the battle we've both had to do literally until the day before our surgeries. I had such hope because I definitely got the sense they weren't trying to come up with ways to deny you, but they were flummoxed as to how to code it/label it all. I had this same conversation as a few points in my battle too, trying to get them to understand why you need to take care of ALL of it when they are there already, go under once, and so on. I'm so glad everyone around you has figured it out and that the right thing to do has prevailed. I know you are going to come through this beautifully; it sure isn't fun but to be rid of the hernia and the appendanges of skin is a relief I can't begin to describe, and can't wait for it to be you. xo Hernia repair and Abdominoplasty tomorrow! I feel totally drained after an epic battle with the insurance. Admittedly, mostly they were on my side, fighting the bureaucracy and red tape together. First I had to apply for the abdominoplasty. Until this year it has been totally excluded, but there is a "Cosmetic Pilot" program and I qualify. Whoop. The cosmetic part will be covered 80% up to a limit. Then, last Friday, the bombshell is dropped. The hernia repair is now under the Cosmetic scheme, and it comes to at least double their limit. I spent Monday and Tuesday on the phone, at the insurance office and at the surgeons offices. Suddenly they wanted all kinds of new evidence. They realized that I had self-paid for the DS, and now they must decide if they can pay for the hernia. Under our current plan it is covered, but it was excluded when I had the DS. This morning they held a meeting. Very apologetically they called at 11am. They have still not reached a conclusion about the incisional hernia, can I please postpone surgery until they decide? umm NO. (with some tears and desperation in my voice) Ok, let me try figure something out. this is really not your fault because you applied months ago, with full disclosure about the DS. I had even let them know at the time of the DS. At 2pm I get an approval letter. Someone else, unbeknownst to my consultant, had taken matters into their own hands and changed the diagnosis to an Umbilical / Paraumbilical hernia. Same thing, different name, but no problem with prior surgery, it could happen to anyone. APPROVED!!!! So right now I am packing my bag. I have a cooler full of butter, cream, protein bars and eggs. Another cooler is filled with snacks for hubby, and minimal stuff for myself. At 5 pm I will be drinking some gross fluid through a straw. Tomorrow morning I head to the hospital. Right now I am totally exhausted, exhilarated and thankful.
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Post by west4thavenue on Aug 27, 2014 11:19:17 GMT -5
Hernia repair and Abdominoplaty tomorrow! I feel totally drained after an epic battle with the insurance. Admittedly, mostly they were on my side, fighting the bureaucracy and red tape together. First I had to apply for the abdominoplasty. Until this year it has been totally excluded, but there is a "Cosmetic Pilot" program and I qualify. Whoop. The cosmetic part will be covered 80% up to a limit. Then, last Friday, the bombshell is dropped. The hernia repair is now under the Cosmetic scheme, and it comes to at least double their limit. I spent Monday and Tuesday on the phone, at the insurance office and at the surgeons offices. Suddenly they wanted all kinds of new evidence. They realized that I had self-paid for the DS, and now they must decide if they can pay for the hernia. Under our current plan it is covered, but it was excluded when I had the DS. This morning they held a meeting. Very apologetically they called at 11am. They have still not reached a conclusion about the incisional hernia, can I please postpone surgery until they decide? umm NO. (with some tears and desperation in my voice) Ok, let me try figure something out. this is really not your fault because you applied months ago, with full disclosure about the DS. I had even let them know at the time of the DS. At 2pm I get an approval letter. Someone else, unbeknownst to my consultant, had taken matters into their own hands and changed the diagnosis to an Umbilical / Paraumbilical hernia. Same thing, different name, but no problem with prior surgery, it could happen to anyone. APPROVED!!!! So right now I am packing my bag. I have a cooler full of butter, cream, protein bars and eggs. Another cooler is filled with snacks for hubby, and minimal stuff for myself. At 5 pm I will be drinking some gross fluid through a straw. Tomorrow morning I head to the hospital. Right now I am totally exhausted, exhilarated and thankful. I felt all the blood rush from my head when I first started reading this. Then I got to "APPROVED!!!!" I am so relieved for you. It's also good you have a day to relax before your surgery. Best of luck with the surgery, Leonie!
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Post by illinids2 on Aug 27, 2014 12:37:49 GMT -5
That is awesome news Leonie!
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 27, 2014 17:04:48 GMT -5
Congratulations on winning the appeal and best of luck tomorrow! Here's to a speedy, pain free recovery!
Kelly
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Post by Leonie on Dec 8, 2014 11:10:58 GMT -5
What an amazing two weeks! I have been visiting my kids and friends in the Eastern Cape, and the ocean was only topped by the company. I love being on the beach! At last I can run down steep dunes, and actually make my way back up! My footprints in the sand are not heavy and 'duck-waddly'. I am not afraid to go out into the surf because I know I have the strength to swim back out. I can hop among the tidal pools and am not afraid of falling. I had sooo much fun! The trip started with a flight to East London (South Africa) and helping with preparations for my friend's fashion launch. In between shopping, baking, fittings and visits there was still time for walks on the beach. The show was scary, stretching and fun. Here I am in the front with the other models. I could not resist buying the delft silk top. I was joined by two of our daughters who live in the same province. Desiree is an Occupational Therapist in a rural hospital, and Jessica has her first job as a maths teacher. On Sunday we did the four hour drive to Zithulele hospital where our daughter Desiree works. This is her village: We ran a jumble sale in the rain, and I spent two days doing the "take your mother to work day" thing. Then we spent the weekend at the incredible Umdumbi Backpackers. We walked on the beach at full moon, ate oysters, met a man who is doing a solo paddle from Mozambique to Angola - and living on dried meat in rendered fat, and swam in the sea.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Dec 8, 2014 13:24:09 GMT -5
What a wonderful adventure! You sound like you are having the time of your life and able to do it all thanks to the DS!!! Yaaaayyy... I tried to enlarge your pictures but it wouldn't work on my computer, they look wonderful and I love the culture shown in the ones at your daughter's work, just wanted to see it closer up!
Keep up the great work and having fun, this is what life is all about!!
Thank for sharing, Kelly
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Post by nursemelanie on Dec 8, 2014 15:40:42 GMT -5
Sounds amazing!
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Post by Girlrocker on Dec 8, 2014 17:19:02 GMT -5
This is so wonderful, I can barely find the words. Beautiful photos, a total adventure. Your daughters are doing amazing work, but never surprised about that considering their parents. Your country is really something to see. Love the models shot and applaud you treating yourself to a silk!
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Post by Leonie on Feb 3, 2015 3:21:11 GMT -5
We are known to embark on adventures at the drop of a hat, and moving house with just a car load of camping gear has also happened, but the last 24 hours have been more than I have ever experienced. Yesterday morning hubby unexpectedly got given notice at work. An estate agent who has been nagging us, saw our property last night and figures she can sell it for at least double what we paid five years ago. The profit will cover all our debt and give us a survival income of at least three to five years. We have been dreaming about doing a Christian missions course - Church Planting eXperience (CPx) for years. We have wanted to be full-time missionaries for more than 30 years, but it never has been the right time. On a whim I went to their site, and the next course starts this Sunday. Yes, that is in five days, for five months, and a 17 hour drive away. So, I am busy packing up the house, getting rid of all the junk, putting into storage and choosing what will fit into our car for a 5-14 month adventure.
So many things will be changing. No more great health insurance, so quickly doing labs and arranging a top-up infusion. No more easy internet access, no more steak and unlimited food. I will have to eat what is put before us and add loads of eggs and canned fish. I will need a miracle to pay for all my vitamins. No more private toilet, We will hopefully have our own room, but accommodation is very basic. We are talking about the African experience here. Most of the participants come form poor African communities, so the lifestyle is extremely basic. No pay cheque! It will take three or more months, at best, to get the proceeds for the house, and we have very little reserves. I will be able to go to hospital, but not much more.
This is scary but so super exciting! Hubby desperately needs a sabbatical and needs to get out of the corporate world with all its stress and corruption. We are both at the 50 year mark, and need to re-evaluate our lives and find new dreams and motivation. If this does not happen, I will be incredibly disappointed. It seems like the perfect thing for this season.
So, pray and dream with us. Thank you for your support and presence in my life, it has been immeasurably valuable.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Feb 3, 2015 7:36:01 GMT -5
I wish you good luck and good health. I worry what you would do if something with your health goes wrong.
Personally, I find "missionary" work offensive and repugnant, the ultimate elitism. I would prefer it if we could all avoid religious discussion here on this board. Keeps things more peaceful and welcoming.
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Post by caprice on Feb 3, 2015 8:31:41 GMT -5
Funny, this didn't strike me as "religious discussion" at all. I guess we all interpret things vastly differently.
Leonie, I'm so glad you and your husband are able to pursue something that will no doubt be very satisfying to you both. I understand wanting to get out of the corporate rat-race. My first thought WAS concern over availability of the right food and supplements, but, I'll assume you've got that covered to your satisfaction.
You're a braver woman than I am, and I applaud you for it.
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