12/10/06....  I AM SO ANGRY!!!!!!!!!!  I decided to convert my profile to the new layout and managed to LOSE everything I've put in here already!!!  UGH UGH UGH....

Okay, now that I have that out of my system, I can move along to tell you "my story".

It all began about 4 years ago when I was first going thru the process to have WLS.  I did all the pre-testing except the psych eval and backed out.  I realized I was not ready to make the changes I needed to make to be successful.  I thought more about what I was giving up than what I was gaining by having the surgery.  I also had a friend who had the surgery who had complications and it scared me half to death.  I decided I would either lose the weight on my own or stay fat forever. 

That was then.  Fast forward 3.5 years (March 2006) to me taking a shower one day and doing some horrible mental calculations.  I realized I'd gained an average of 10 pounds per year since moving to TX.  110 pounds!!!  YIKES!!  How did I let that happen?  When did I let it happen?  I started doing more calculations.  At the rate I was gaining, I would be over 400 pounds by the time my youngest graduated.  NOT a happy thought!  That was the morning I realized I NEEDED this surgery.  It wasn't enough to want to lose weight anymore.  It wasn't enough to diet and exercise.  I had to make changes or I was going to have major medical problems.  I was already at risk for heart problems and diabetes.  Not to mention I had sleep apnea, GERD, back and knee problems.  I went to work, called my PCM and made an appointment and started the process.  Talked with my hubby that night and found he had been praying I would decide again to try this as he has watched me diet and fail repeatedly.  His words were "Honey, I just want you to be healthy and to be with me for a long long time."  What a great guy!!! 

So, I was on track preparing for surgery.  Saw my surgeon at the end of May for my first appt.  Did all my testing and faxed everything to the surgeon's office by the end of July.  Waited and waited and waited (Okay, so it wasn't THAT long, but it sure felt like it) for the doctor to review everything and schedule my surgery.  Due to vacations, etc., I didn't get back into his office until September for my pre-op and surgery was scheduled for October 2, 2006. 

Had surgery as scheduled, no complications.  The surgeon was able to do it lap.  YES!!!  Walked, sipped, followed directions to the letter and was able to go home on Thursday.  Once home, I continued to walk, sip and follow his orders and progressed rapidly and well. 

I am now walking over 2 miles per day with my fur babies.  The doctor has progressed me to a "regular" diet now also.  I've managed to lose 46 pounds so far!!  I'm down from 254 to 208 already and it's barely been over 2 months.  No dumping or other problems, unless I eat too quickly. 

My only regret?  That I backed out of this surgery in 2002. Of course, having had almost 4 years to read, research and talk to people who have had the surgery has been a tremendous help to me.  I'm glad I had the surgery.  It is giving me back my life.  I feel so much better, have so much more energy and life is just better on the losing side.