KathyStarling
10-23-08 For 10-15 years I have weighed too much and as the years go by, I was still gaining weight - a couple of pounds a year for the past couple. No matter what diet or program I tried, I could not lose more than 20 pounds or so and then plateau and that is when I would give up. Finally, I told my PCP - "I need help!" Her answer to my cry was to look into bariatric surgery. She told me to go to a local hospital that has a great program - Celebration Hospital in Osceola County, FL. I did just that and after a lot of internet questions and speaking to some people who had looked into the same, I decided to begin making the arrangements. I went to one of Celebration's meetings which is required and went forward. The surgeon who was at that hospital was "in-network" with my insurance company so that part was great. I followed all the steps provided by the hospital staff and abided by the insurance company's rules. I had all the tests run, the psycologist appointment, etc - whatever was required. I began this in January 2008 and my surgery was done August 18, 2008. I had heard some horror stories about insurance companies but I did not have a bit of trouble and I am very thankful.
I had no problems healing after the surgery. Getting used to how to eat and how much to eat is a learning process but after looking back, it is not too much to give in order to be healthy and much happier. Every day was a new day and I looked at it that way. I used baby food in the beginning. Then I decided it did not taste very good any longer. I have had no trouble with upset stomach but the term "dumping" became familiar to me. I would try to "catch up" on drinking in particular and you just can't. It is a learn as you go program. All in all, I am thankful that I was able to have the surgery. Do I like not being able to have some of my favorite things - NO - but there will come a time when I may have a taste of some of them later and I am happy about that.
I am 2 months post-surgery and have lost 57 pounds (by my scale at home). I have so much more energy than I had before surgery (next to none) and for that, I am so greatful! I have been able to stop taking one of my blood pressure meds already and am looking forward to stopping the other one. I am trying to be more active than I used to but most of my activity is on the weekends. I sit at a desk all day and when I get home, I am usually tired. Plus my crocheting hobby keeps me busy - I am trying to get 3 afghans finished by Christmas and it is already October 23rd. Making more of an effort is my short term goal for now. My clothes will need replacing soon. I have had to stop wearing about 15 shirts and am looking forward to the right time to go and buy more. I have even been taking in some of my shirts lately and it is working. I will wait till I really need to replace items so I don't have too many different sizes, that is, if I can help it.
I must tell you about my energy. I have so much I can hardly believe it. It has been s-o-o-o long since I could clean house, do laundry, mend, etc and all in 1 day. The energy burst has made my life so much easier on me. I am not panting every time I have to go up and down stairs - I am not drenched with perspiration just walking to the mailbox - I do not have to sit down between chores and recuperate and cool down. This is a blessing to me. All of these improvements certainly give a better value to my life and it makes everything I do so much more worthwhile.
I am beginning to get compliments on some of the weight loss and it definitely makes me feel better about myself. My husband and my family are very supportive and have been from the time I mentioned that I was just looking into the surgery. My friends and co-workers also have been very supportive. All of that support is icing on the cake.
I plan on doing the very best that I can with this program. It takes commitment and I am just that.
