Lisa R.
I am a mother, teacher, dog lover and all around busy person! I had tried for years to do something about my weight. I think I resigned myself that I was going to be a "big girl" forever. I had been 200lbs since high school and it was just going to be that way for the rest of my life.
In 2006 my mom had a stoke at the age of 55. I was shocked! She lived, thank God, but it was a wake up call to me. My mom suffered from hypertension and so do I. Our weight makes the condition worse. I again got on the diet band wagon and again I lost my battle. I can't even count the number of pounds I have lost or gained over the last 5 years.
In March of 2010 I went on a trip with some friends and when we got back my friend gave me a set of pictures. I was horrified at what I looked like, it was bad. I went to the doctor and I was 252, that was amazing to me. I was the size of an NFL lineman. I was also told that I had fatty lover disease, diabetes and my hypertension was so out of control I needed 2 medications and it still would run high.
My primary doctor, who I love, got me a referral to my surgeon Dr. Suh. On my first visit they showed me a video and it scared me, so I backed out and gave the diet/exercise route on last shot. I did pretty well and lost 50lbs by July of 2010 and put 36 of it back on by Feb. That was it I was done.
Back to Dr. Suh office for real this time. By May of 2011 I was on the table getting my RNY. Yes I have looked back and regretting my decision a few times, I think that is natural. It is so life changing. I miss beer, I miss pasta, I miss bread. I'm not going to lie. But, I love wearing small clothes, I love not having to take medication for anything, I love going to the doctor and being told I am totally healthy, I love being called skinny. So there is good and bad with everything. I will take the good, mourn the bad and live my life the best I can to keep this new body and health I have been given.
