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Contest Winner Donika's Blog

Donika C. from Scottsdale, AZ is the winner of our second FREE LAP-BAND® surgery giveaway! She will be blogging and posting photo updates regularly so you can follow her progress.

Send an e-mail to Donika! Simply fill out the form to the left on this page and put "for DONIKA" in the comment section. Your emails will be forwarded to her. Wish her well, ask her a question about her experience, or just let her know that you are keeping up with her progress!

May 10, 2012

Hello All,
Just updating you on my progress. As you know I have had to hold off on my procedure due to my A1C levels. I have an appointment with my PCP at the end of this month and this will be the third monthly check for my A1C - which should finally be in a range to approve my surgery. We have surgery set for June 15 and I believe this will be the date! I want to thank the staff at WLIAZ for keeping me on track and being so supportive during this time. I'm still so excited for this opportunity to become healthy and can't wait to see the results.

April 16, 2012

Hello All!
Just keeping you updated on my journey....as you know from my last post, my surgery was postponed. I will be doing my lab work to check my A1C tomorrow, so I will know by the middle or end of the week about my surgery date. I'm staying positive because I know this was meant to be. My PCP is very optimistic that it will be at a level for her to clear me for surgery. I want to thank everyone for being so supportive during the postponement by keeping me motivated and giving me encouragement. I'm still so excited to being going through the procedure and have lots of faith in my team of doctors.

March 29, 2012

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to update you on my journey. Well, my surgery had to be postponed due to my A1C being elevated. I was a little disappointed but I know that Dr. DeBarros and my PCP have my health and best interest at heart. So, now my surgery is scheduled for 4/27. This will give my A1C a chance to drop to an acceptable range. Everything else is going good in my life. I still have great support from family & friends and I even got my husband on the protein shake! Looking forward to a health, happy life with my family.

March 14, 2012

Hello Everyone,
Well, I started my 2 week protein shake diet before my surgery and let me tell you I wanted to eat everything in the house my first day! But because of the strong support I have at home, and how I know this will improve my health, I pushed through and did very well over the weekend. When I returned to work on Monday, I weighed myself and found that I had lost 4 lbs. "WOW!" is what I said to myself. I also had to share with my co-workers who also give me strong support. So, me and the protein shake are now friends, LOL! This transformation is going to be such an accomplishment for me and all that are involved. Positive thoughts produce positive results.

March 5, 2012

Hello Everyone!
Just wanted to let you know how my journey is going....I had my EGD last week, (which was not bad at all) and found out I have gastritis which is treatable. Dr. DeBarros showed me some pictures that were quite interesting - it's rather strange to see the inside of your stomach! I also did my first
TV segment (Your Life A-Z) about being this year's winner with Dr. Orris and Dee, last year's winner. I was a little nervous but my family said I did well, considering it was my first time. This coming Friday (3/9) I start my pre-op diet. I can't believe that this is happening in 2 1/2 weeks! I'm so grateful for all the support from my family and friends. My aunt sent me the most beautiful message on Facebook - she said she "can't wait to see the more beautiful me on the outside to match the one on the inside." That is the kind of support that will see me through this and help me be successful in my journey.

February 23, 2012

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to update you on my journey. I am still in the process of getting all my pre-surgical clearance done, and I have a pre-op appointment with WLIA next week. I am proud to say that my family and I are doing the "Heart Walk" this Saturday for Heart disease. This is the third year for us. YEAH!! By taking this step with the LAP-BAND, not only will this improve my health but my goal is to do the PF CHANG Marathon, next year, with a few co-workers that are supporting me through this at work. Reach for the stars and find a galaxy!

February 17, 2012

I was so totally excited when I found out I won the free LAP-BAND procedure! This has been a whirlwind of a journey. I decided to look into the LAP-BAND because I am a diabetic and the medication makes weight loss difficult. A WLIA rep came to the doctor's office where I work. I really liked their approach towards making sure you understood the procedure and cost. I tried going through my insurance but was told it wasn't a covered benefit. So, while researching more about the surgery, I saw the advertisement for the free LAP-BAND contest and entered. I forgot I did until my son left me a weird message saying I won a free "lapdance"? Of course I was confused but when they called back and told me I was a finalist for the free LAP-BAND procedure, I was shocked and so excited! A few weeks later, I made it to the final round and was one of two finalists to meet with Dr. DeBarros & Dr. Orris. It became so surreal – I was told they would call me over the weekend. But when I got home my son said that someone had already called! Before I could call them back, they called again and let me know I won! After I got off the phone, I danced around and then texted my husband. And here begins my journey...