icanduet
It's probably time I share a little about myself. I've been sharing some on the lightweight board for a couple of months now, had surgery on 4/20/09. At this point, seven weeks, I am down 40 lbs from my consult weight. Another 3 lbs and I will match the lowest weight of my adult life, that's over 30 years!!! I have been overweight/obese since I started school. I guess I was just meant to play all day!!
Anyway, I had all the issues that go with being overweight growing up, poor self-image, etc. I participated in lots of activities, but always found comfort in food. After my parents split when I was in 5th grade, things didn't get any better. When I was a freshman, I was assigned the band uniform of a former senior football player. Unfortunately, I was just over 5', so of course I had to shorten everything, but I didn't have to alter it in any other way!!!
The fall after I graduated hs I had an opportunity to get a decent job in another state. The only issue was weight, for my height I had to be 140 or less to get the job. Well, I did it, and got laid off after only one month. I kept the weight off for less than a year.
Well, after being married, becoming a step-mom, a victim of abuse, several types of jobs, divorce, college, poverty, landing a great job, developing diabetes, getting married again, building a house in the country, and growing in all ways (mentally, physically, etc) , my Dr. prescribed insulin and a diuretic. That was in Sept. of 2006. I started losing weight, and I was down to 169 lbs by the first of November. I hated the daily insulin injection, and I was determined to lose weight and get ready of the 'shot'.
Then I got sick, I mean really sick. On a weekend trip with my nephew and husband, I developed meningitis. I ended up in U of I hospital, where I stayed for a week. I went through so many tests and procedures, some days being aware of what was happening and who I was, other days having no clue. Upon discharge they didn't really have a diagnosis, but at least I knew who I was, good brush my teeth by myself, etc.. A week later, I had another major episode, which affected my ability to walk. I could go nowhere without some one holding me up. Pretty tough when my husband is a little guy of 135 lbs!!! Of course, not being able to be active, needing more comfort, etc, my weight ballooned quickly. By the first of January I was on 3 shot of insulin per day, and was growing more and more miserable. Neither my mind nor my body would allow me to return to work. I couldn't drive, couldn't even pay the bills, or cook a simple meal. Physical therapy didn't really help me, and I was seeing Dr's, every week.
After a trip to Mayo clinic, I finally got a helpful diagnosis, and a little relief. The swelling in my brain had affected my balance, and with some work, was able to move from the wheelchair and walker to using a cane. I still couldn't work, but was gradually gaining in mental and physical ability.
Fast forward to now, I'm still not able to work, and I can't run a foot race. Last summer I began thinking more about my weight and my diabetes. My blood sugars where becoming more uncontrollable, and my weight was within 15 lbs of my lifetime high.
I met with the surgeon in Aug. of 2008, and started the process for wls. I weighed 213. I had the six month supervised diet, and was then approved for surgery. On April 20 I had rny. During my hospitalization I had low blood sugar on twice. Wow, that was weird!
When I left the hospital I was no longer taking any type of diabetic meds, and had dc'd my blood pressure pill. I monitor my sugar daily, and at my one month check up was concerned that my sugars were between 130 and 185. My Dr. wasn't really concerned, but agreed to let me go back on metformin. She was pretty sure that I would be reducing and eliminating even that in a month. That was 2 weeks ago, and she was right. I know on the days I get in the exercises that I need to, my sugars are absolutely great. Other days, they are still pretty darned good!
So, at this point, I am anxious for things to progress. Yes, I am only 7 weeks post-op, and no, I will probably never be back in the mainstream daily grind. However, I feel better, have more energy, spend less on medications, and am told I look better. I'll be able to fit in the amusement park rides, wear a smaller size life jacket when I go out on the lake in our john boat, and just look more normal.
i know I will still have down days, when my weight loss stalls, i get discouraged, struggle with choices, etc. I have been given wonderful tools to get through the rough times, I just have to use them. My goal is less than 50 lbs away, and would love to get there by November. the anniversary date of my hospitalization. However, no matter when I reach my weight goal, my overall health is the main issue, and I know that is improving daily!! I am truly thankful for all the good in my life, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and will try to show that appreciation daily.
