allbright1
My weight gain started in 2002 when I was diagnosed with urticarial vasculitis, which is an autoimmune disorder that requires Prednisone therapy on a daily basis. In the five years since that diagnosis and medication regime I have gained around 200lbs. I have had to go on Social Security disability due to my being overweight, which has caused secondary problems such as shortness of breath, tachycardia, arrythmias, inability to walk, stand, or sit for long periods, and the need for frequent rest breaks. I just found out that Cigna requires me to be on a physician supervised weight loss program before I qualify for gastric bypass. My self worth and self esteem has dropped to almost nothing since this all started. Not to mention the fact that I am no longer a contributing part of society.
I had my RNY surgery May 1, 2009 performed by Dr. Mark Gibbs in Little Rock, Arkansas. When I originally started this journey my highest weight was 363 and now today March 13, 2010 I am at 218 lbs with only 58 lbs to go to my goal weight of 160 lbs. Dr Gibbs has given me my life back. I will be 50 on April 3, 2010 and would probably not be here today if I had not had my surgery.
