dstankalis
First post - What I have been up to
Jun 25, 2014
Hello Folks:
This is my first attempt at a blog after 19 years of developing websites, so bear with me. I had Gastric Bypass surgery (RNY for those in the know) on August 12, 2013 - 6 days after my 54th birthday. I had my surgery at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn. Since then, my world has done a full 180-degree turnaround. Instead of hiding in my apartment all day and night, I am now exercising, and walking every day - sometimes, twice a day on weekends!
I have gone from a size 64 pair of pants and a size 6XL shirt, to a size 48(and shrinking) pair of pants and size 2XL(and Shrinking as well) shirt. Imagine my surprise when I could buy a pair of Levis Jeans at JCPenney off the rack 
Life has been great, but it still has its bumps and potholes. I was hospitalized in late December after fainting twice. It was diagnosed as a bout of low blood pressure, and I was taken off all (4) of my HBP meds, and was put on one prescription. Before the surgery, I would take 80 Units of Levemir at night. Right now I take 16 units, and I still check my blood sugar to see if I need less. I used to take 2 high cholesterol medications - 10 mg of Zetia and 80 mg of Zocor. Three months after surgery, I was taken off Zetia, and 8 months after surgery, my doctor prescribed 40mg of Zocor.
As far as exercise goes, I used to be a rock. No exercise at all. I started, about 3 months ago with a PlayStation 3 and 3 PS3 games - Zumba, Fit in Six, and Get Fit with Mel B. Although I have yet to try Get Fit with Mel B., I have used the other 2 PS3 programs every day. I also walk every day. I average about 1.5 miles during the weekdays, and 5 miles on the weekends. Last month I was introduced to a yoga plan called DDP Yoga. It combines yoga with cardio, dynamic resistance, and traditional fitness. I have been doing 2 sessions of yoga every day. One of my clients wants to see me do (at least) a half-marathon before she dies. How's that for support?
Social life has been better too. I have been noticed at work, and at the Laundromat as well. I was asked to do an interview which was taped last week (6/18). I don't know when it will be show on Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT TV) and I don't have cable TV, but as manager for our colleges iTunes U account, the episodes are on our "Health Center" iTunes U portal. The episodes are available here. Search for "Weight Loss Surgery Part 1" and "Weight Loss Surgery Part 2".
The future looks bright. Getting ready for a half-marathon, and other stuff has been exciting. To be continued...
Thank You for looking,
Don Stankalis
