jules2132
I have had a weight problem all my life it seems. My mother didn't help with constantly pushing food as a reward. She would have a "snack" waiting when I got home from school that could easily qualify for a meal for two. Then expect us to eat a full dinner later when dad got home. Needless to say our whole family (except my mother who was always on a diet) was overweight. I have tried all the diets and programs and took weight off, but as usual put it all back on plus more when I returned to "normal" eating. The first I heard of bariatric surgery was when a friend had it done and went from a size 32 to a size 10. It was amazing. BUT then she had a lot of complications and started putting her weight back on and it scared me away from the idea. I have since come to realize that it was reverting back to her previous eating habits that was her downfall. Lots of candies, bakery products and sodas in her diet. No protein and vitamins as required for all of us. Another friend had a cousin who was very successful with the surgery and recommended it to her. She in turn talked to me about it and we went to Dr. Blackstone's seminar. I was so impressed and so excited. I went home and told my husband about it and he was as eager for me to delve in to it further as I was. I started the process in March 2005. After jumping through the insurance hoops, I met with Scottsdale Bariatrics, did all the testing required, even passed the physc exam with flying colors and got my surgery date for 5 months later on October 10, 2005. I could have gotten a quicker date, but I wanted Dr. Blackstone for my surgeon. By this time I was up to 306 pounds. Was on high blood pressure medications twice a day, arthritis in my knees, hips, and ankles hurt so bad I couldn’t walk up or down stairs, sleep apnea, blood sugar problems, etc, etc,. My husband came down ill and was hospitalized in August 2005. He passed away suddenly on September 8, 2005. I thought about cancelling my surgery, but didn't because he was such a supporter and wanted it for me as badly as I did. I was scared because it was the first time I had been through something that major without him there for me. But I did just fine and know he would be so happy for me now. In a way having the surgery was good therapy I think. I was starting a new life in more ways than one. I am so glad I made the decision to have WLS. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again and encourage anyone who feels lead to investigate it for yourself. Just have confidence in your doctor AND follow instructions post-op. I have lost 156 pounds and easliy get in to a size 12 and some 10's. I am happy, healthy, take stairs, long walks, and even a dance class. I couldn't have done that 2 years ago.
