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Goals

lose 100 pounds

543 People
 in progress, 
393 People
 achieved this

I want to weigh less than my husband

9 People
 in progress, 
13 People
 achieved this

To be healthy and to eat and exercise right and weigh a normal weight

0 People
 in progress, 
2 People
 achieved this

Lose 75% of my excess weight.

1 Person
 in progress, 
3 People
 achieved this

Go to Curves at least three times a week.

3 People
 in progress, 
3 People
 achieved this
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Surgeon Testimonial

Samuel Szomstein, M.D.
I am very impressed with his sensitivity and knowledge. He does seem quite busy.rnrnOffice staff is great!!rnrnYes, there is an aftercare program. He does address the risks of surgery; straightforwardly and honestly.rnrnHe seems great. I have not yet had the surgery, so I am just getting started. First impressions have all been quite positive.rnrnNow that I have had surgery, my opinion has only improved. He seems to be an excellent surgeon who is overly cautious to ensure successful surgery without complications. He removed adhesions (from a previous surgery) and repaired a hiatal hernia \"pro bono\" just because he is great.rnrnI wish he was the doctor I see at follow-up visits. I know Cleveland Clinic Florida is a teaching hospital, but would like to actually speak with my surgeon, rather than the Fellows at follow up visits.
Member Interests
  • Cats - My kitties are the best!
  • Walking - Used to walk 7 mi/day 7 days/week, want to get back to loving it like I used to!
  • Christianity - I love the Lord Jesus!
  • Grandchildren - First grandbaby is already two!
  • Married - Married 14 years to a wonderful man who is just right for me.
  • Reading - Love to read

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Hi, I am nearly 62 years old.  I am married to a (mostly) wonderful man.  I have lived in Florida for over 18 years.  I am originally from Colorado.

I have two adult children (unmarried daughter 40 and married son 37) and a 2 year old grandson.  My daughter lives nearby, as does my mom.  My son and his family live in Arizona.  I still have family on my mom's side in Colorado.  My dad's family live in Florida (funny because he was from West Virginia, everyone just moved here).

I love the Lord Jesus and pray that I glorify Him in everything I say and everything I do.

This new journey has already been quite the ride.

Kathi's Blog
My WLS Joruney


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My Story

When I was in my thirties, my doctor said I need to lose weight because it wasn't healthy.  I said, but I am healthy.  He said you won't be when you get into your fifties.  I thought that he didn't know what he was talking about.

Periodically, I would lose a lot of weight on a crazy fad diet and not keep it off long enough to pay for all the new clothes.  Then the weight would pile back on plus more.

When I was in my forties, my doctor said I needed to lose weight because my blood pressure was high.  I said, but the rest of me is healthy and the pills work.  She said, but it will be worse in your fifties.  I thought she didn't know what she was talking about.

Again, I would lose a lot of weight on a crazy fad diet and not keep it off long enough to pay for all the new clothes.  Then the weight would pile back on plus more.

When I was in my fifties, my doctor said I need to lose weight because I had type II Diabetes.  I said, but my sugar isn't THAT high.  No, I won't take pills, exercise is too hard and I don't really care anyway.  I developed Neuropathy.  My feet either tingle or burn ALL of the time.  Thank the good Lord for Lyrica, which gives me some relief.  I still can't feel my toes and my feet up to my instep.  This is serious, this is for real and this ain't going away.

Now, I am in my sixties and have a 20 month old grandson who lives 2500 miles away.  Flying there is difficult, anyway.  Even worse because of the size of luggage I need to take for the size clothing I wear.  It tires me out and I can't get down on the floor and play with him.

As I was preparing myself for this surgery; I practiced chewing my food 25 times each bite and actually lost close to 20# before the 2 week pre-op diet.  I was down 27# the day of surgery.

I asked myself if I thought I could do this without surgery and the answer is:  Of course I can lose weight, I have done it a number of times.  But what tools do I have to maintain the weight loss?  Evidently none because I always gain it back plus more.  Surgery is an option to give me the tool I need to be healthy and active.

I second guessed myself up until two days before surgery when I had overwhelming peace that I was making the right choice.  (Thank God for praying friends.)

I realize it has only been a little over a week since my surgery, and in a few weeks, I will be celebrating my 62ND birthday and thanking God for a second chance to take care of this body He provided for me. 

Regrets?  Absolutely, I regret not having done this 10 or 20 or ?? years ago.

God Bless,

~Kathi