ObesityHelp

 I made the switch. Since last year, I've lost an additional 90 pounds, which makes a total lost of 250+. I can't believe it. I'm feeling well, exercising daily and as active as I've ever been in my life. I'm grateful for a supportive family. I'm also thankful for so many friends who have journeyed with me through these past few years.

I was the most nervous I had ever been in my life. That being so, I was thrilled to finally be able to have my surgery. SInce that day, I have learned to live life all over again. Whereas before, I couldn't even walk 10 steps without stopping to catch my breath - today, I can do just about anything I want to do. It has been a great journey and I'm looking foward to the days, months, and years ahead. 

I've kept my initial 175 pounds off with no problems to speak of. I am still determined to excersize more and eat with more moderation. I suppose those two goals will remain with me until the day I die. But, having the weight off has helped me manage the goals better and helped me to regain hope that I will remain healthy.

Beyond the initial few weeks of complications, I have had none. I still eat what I want with no side effects. Life is good and I'm glad I made the choice. 

It's been six months since I've posted an update, so I figured now is as good a day as any to write some of my thoughts and experiences. First, I am celebrating my 18-month check-up with the surgeon this week. The reason for my celebration is simple - I have never gone this long (in my adult life) at such a stable weight. I haven't lost any more in the past six months, but I haven't gained any either! For me, that is something akin to a miracle. In the past, it has always been such a battle. Either the battle to loose or keep at the weight I had lost, or the current diet was just not working the way I had hoped. It's been a real relief not to fight anymore of those wars.

Secondly, I have not had to buy more clothes. I have the same clothes now for over 6 months. I have lost 22 inches off my waist since being switched. I've gone from a 5-6XL shirt to a 1-2XL shirt. I have no pain on my knees, no more loosing my breath after short walks. I even enjoy going shopping again because I no longer get worn out.

Since posting last, I have a new job in a new city and have loved every minute of the transition. I am in Florida now leading a team of 18 wonderful people. My family is also enjoying the 'new' me because I am much more active with them all. Plus they are so proud of me now.

I am going to set some goals for the coming 6 months. I will:

1) walk at least 2 miles per day
2) cut down on the sugar
3) continue to give support to other DS patients when possible

Hopefully, I won't be a stranger and take the time to update the profile more often.

Tomorrow marks the one-year mark for my DS. In many ways it doesn't seem that long ago, in other ways it seems like a lifetime away. I remember the feelings of anxiety and fear that almost overcame me and, yet, I knew this was the one thing in my life that would give me the opportunity to live life to the fullest.

I have not been disappointed!

After a couple of months of rocky recovery, I began to feel alive and better as each day passed. I have tried to pay attention to the things that will add to my long-term success - water, protein first and taking daily supplements religiously.

I had my one-year surgeons appontment today and we will see how I'm doing one the blood work comes back. All I know, I feel wonderful having lost over 165 pounds, so far. I am 22 inched down off my waist and have knocked off pver 20 BMI points from my high of 64.

I know I have a ways to go but now I feel like I have a fighting chance to see myself below the 200 pound mark...something I thought was impossible before the DS.