David Collins
7/31/08
Too long since my last post and much has happened. 2 years and 3 months out and maintaining. I have stabilized at "around" 155; considering I was between 345 and 360 (depending on the scales) before, I am down about 200# and have been for more than a year.
In June of 2007 (just past 1 year mark) I developed a "kink" in small bowel. The way it presented, the docs thought my appendix was about to burst and did surgery. Appendix was fine (I still have it!), and in the process of working down to it, the surgeon apparently "unkinked" the bowel and things immediately got better. I continued having digestive issues and dropped about 20# (down to 132 at lowest point) that I did not need or want to lose. Docs finally determined I was not digesting fats, and prescribed VioKase (pancreatic enzymes) taken 30 minutes prior to meals. That got me back to normal pretty quickly. After about 8 months, I was able to stop taking the VioKase on a regular basis and now only take it if I THINK I may eat a more fatty meal than I should.
As a result of losing the weight, I have actually "grown" an inch, getting back to my high school height of 5'10" (from 5'9" pre-op). I can shop for clothes any where I like, as I now wear 32/32 pants and Medium shirts. As I have said here previously, my only regret about the surgery is that I had to wait so long to finally be in position to have it. Praises to God for the medical professionals who pioneered these procedures!
1/15/07
8 and 1/2 months and weight is down to 185# (down 163#); I've lost a medium-sized person! Still changing sizes, but it has begun to stabilize. Before surgery, i was wearing size 58 pants (with hidden "expanders" in the waist). Now i'm in size 36. My shirt size before was 3, 4, or 5XL depending on the shirt. Now I'm wearing men's Large (16 - 16 1/2). Absolutely truly amazing; I wish I could have done this years ago!.
11/01/2006
6 months and counting! What a blessing!! I stepped on the scale this morning and weighed 215. Down nearly 135# in 6 months. It's a miracle. It's also amazing to go into the "regular" men's section of clothing stores to look and purchase (if i choose) clothes. But keeping purchases to a minimum due to constant change in size. Pants purchased "to tight" 5 weeks ago are now hanging on me. It's hard to believe; in fact, when I look in the mirror, I don't believe it is me looking back.
Thanks to everyone for the notes of encouragement; they were and are most appreciated!
July 6, 2006
9 weeks and 3 days after surgery and I feel like a new person. I have lost 74 pounds (started at 348, current weight is 274). It is absolutely amazing. No problems with nausea and/or vomiting praise God! I'm wearing shirts I've had for years but never wore (giveaways, premiums, etc.) and have had to buy a couple of pairs of pants and shorts 3 or 4 sizes smaller than before; punched 3 new holes in belt and finally replaced it when I bought pants.
New diet has not been a problem; I like most foods (I imagine that's one reason I weighed 348) and I'm not too picky. I just have to watch the intake speed and limit breads. I guess due to the consistency of breads, they fill me up almost with the first bite.
Many thanks to everyone for the prayers and messages, they were and are appreciated!