karolkris
Hey to all my WL family
Like most, I became sick and tired of being sick and tired....so after seeing Star Jones on the View, I decided to look into the possibility of Gastric Bypass Surgery. After much research and with the aid of my family physician, I was referred to one of the best Doctors in this field...Dr. Quinlan at St Margarets UPMC, Pittsburgh.
Of course he interviewed me and had me go to a Support & Info Mtg on the subject of RNY Gastric Bypass to clearly understand what I was getting myself into. He pulled no punches about the seriousness of the surgery but also let me know that at my present height of 5'5 and weighing in at 257lbs with co-morbidities of high-blood pressure and high cholesterol and joint disease (left knee total replacement already) with the right knee needing replaced as well that I was shortening my life expectancy.
So armed with all of the necessary info, I searched my heart and soul, spoke with my husband who has supported me all the way and took it to God. I had the support of my family physician who wrote to my insurance company on my behalf (Tri-care Prime) and because they approved me right away, I thought it was a clear sign that this was finally my solution.
As with everyone else, I had to do my preliminary tests prior to surgery, which all came back in my favor....so off I was to a surgery date of 6-12-2006.
A new beginning began for me on that date....sort of a new birthday as my birthdate is Jun 7th. Anyway, surgery was performed on 6-12-2006 with next to no complications and very little pain...the most discomfort was gas pains, but getting up to walk helped to alleviate those. So I stayed only two days in the hospital and as of 11-1-2006 I am 64lbs ighter weighing 193lbs. I have set a goal of 155 lbs so I have 36 lbs til goal. I began at 42 BMI and am now down to 33 BMI.
Already, my clothing is falling off of me...I have gone from a size 18-20 to 12-14. I have gotten so many compliments and my energy level is soaring everyday....I feel and look younger...not the 56yr old grandma that felt at times like I was 66 lol.
So you might say that I am a slow loser, but that is alright by me...seems like no matter what the scale says, I feel much lighter than that and clothing fits according to inches lost.
As far as eating goes...this pretty much sums it up for me....I no longer LIVE TO EAT ( in fact I sometimes have to remind myself to eat as I am not hungry....I. EAT TO LIVE. I can pretty much eat what I like but must be careful of too much carbs and sweets...my eating pattern allows me to eat what I want but in very small portions which is a good thing because I get full very quickly. I ususally do a protein shake for breakfast, and eat the remainder of protein in meats, chicken, fish for my other two meals. Doesn't take much to make me full...funny thing is with this new tool that I listen to my stomach and do not take it to the limit like I did prior to surgery...I can sense very easily now when I am full and will stop appropriately cause if I don't I become very flush, hot all over and can't stand even the sight of food or the smell of it. I have had one dumping and it was not plesant...approximately two months out I had too much Chinese food and up it came. since then I listen closely to my stomach saying "you've had enough."
Well, hopely soon I can post some before and after photos of myself as soon as my hubby upload them onto the PC. until then wishing all of you God Speed and continued success.
1-24-2007
wow....it's been a minute since posting here....well, here goes I am now down 77lbs since Jun 12, 2006 and feeling and looking terrific....funny thing is that I can hardly recognize myself since it has been awhile since I have been out of the 200 lb range. Thinking about it...I haven't been 180lbs since retiring from the military in 1989!!! So needless to say I am getting quite the attention from those who have not seen me in awhile and the WOW moments are constant reminders of where I was when I was much heavier as opposed to this new year of pure bliss of actually feeling SLIM. NEWBIES: you can not appreciate how great you will feel until you actually lose so much weight that you no longer try on clothing from the plus sizes but ACTUALLY fit comfortly into size 10s and 12s...talk about overwhelming from a start of size 18-20s...makes me want to cry just remembering just 7 short months ago that was where I was at in my morbidly obese life. Just had my first bloodwork by my PC and NUT and everything checked out positively accept I am still needing blood pressure meds. Still not bad though, as I no longer take cholesterol meds, or anything else besides my vitamins, and protein. I feel terrrific....and giving GOD all of the glory for he has truly taken away my obsession with food...it takes so little to fill me up and most times after eating just a few bites of my meals I can't even stand the smell of food....I hope this never changes, but I do recognize that this is only a tool and we must stay in control with the proper food choices, protein, water and exercise for life....so far so good.
Anyway, stay tuned for some recent pics of me and my before pic! Please pray for me that I can reach my last 25lbs to reach the century club soon....this is my next goal.
7-13-07
Well it has been a minute but God is good and I am still so thankful for the blessing of WLS...two points come mind as I ponder my transformation from this time last year until this time this year. I am now 168lbs, thought I had stopped losing especially after going on vacation in June to Vegas, however, once I returned and weighed in with my surgeon I was down another 6 lbs from my last posting and my bloodwork showed all was well. Anyway, back to my points...the first one being that I now feel as though God has truly answered my prayer that he remove my food addiction or nonstop feelings of food being a priority in my life. I can tell you and I am certain that most of us would agree that food does not control me anymore I am now "more" in control of it. I no longer live to eat, I eat to live...in fact I rarely can finish anything I start of to eat...food just does not have the same appeal to me as before...and God know how I prayed that I would lose all desire for food and now I feel blessed and delivered and for that I am thanful.....My second point or discovery is that how very good life is and how very enjoyable life can be when the burden of weight is no longer an issue keeping you tied down from venturing out/exploring or hindering you from taking the necessary steps needed to realize your dreams and goals. I am much more confident and kinder, gentler than prior to WLS. I love my life and and so thankful all blessings. God is so good! So with that I am gonna close, but for all of you out there trying to decide whether this surgery is for you, do your homework but just know that I wouldn't change a thing about my decision and WLS experience. It is all GOOD and for that I am so thankful. Went from bmi of 42.5 to 28.2...from 257lbs to my current weight of 168 lbs. 13 lbs til my goal of 155 lbs.
