nenna1950
Here is my story:
I had open RNY in April of 2002 by Macons own Dr. Michael Rothwell. My beginning wt. was 242 lbs and my height is 5'2 tall. My current BMI is 22.3 and my weight is 117lbs soaking wet (ha, ha). I am in a size 4 or 6 jeans Oh yea! Now here is the interesting part, my age: I am almost 64 in a short while. Oh yea, you might want to include that I had my surgery in Macon Ga, back then we did not have to travel to Atlanta for the surgery.... What else do you need other than my current body measurements? I am full of life now and I think I have a big mouth and love to have loads of fun!!!!
For soo many years, I felt so unworthy of the Husband I have. After our marriage, I began to gain wt. I started marriage with a beginning wt. 120lbs. I began to eat, eat, eat! If it didn't crawl away, I would eat almost anything!!!! I went on so many diets, I could write a book about my successes and failures. I always gained back more than I lost. I continued gaining wt.. Pregancy gave me such an elated feeling! I could eat woithout feelings of guilt. After all, I was eating for two. When I delivered our baby, I weighed 155lbs when I left going home! Now that doesn't sound like very much but my wt. continued to go up, up and away!
Finally, after many more diets, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Once again the Yo Yo Diet again!!! My blood results were in the "sure to Kill me range" I continued to abuse my body without going on the Diabetic Diet. I developed Pneumonia and almost died. Here at the hospital , this trip, I acquired a Cardiologist, Internist, Respiratory specialist,Endcrinologist, all in the same week.Long story, shortened, I almost died.
I realized, I had to do something permanently about the Obesity Problem. After this, I had a Heart Attack and the same wk. ,I had Open Heart surgery with 5 Heart Grafts. All of this came only 6wks after, my Mother died. When I went back to work, I realized, I couldn't go on like this without many health changes.
I heard about GBS and began to ask ALL of my MD'S if I would be a candidate. They all almost laughed at me because They had been so concerned about my balooning wt. By this time my wt. was in excess of 200lbs. Finally, in 1999, I resigned my position from Hospice and decided to get to work on MY HEALTH. I got all of the necessary testing done that was in 2001. Finally, I had made the surgery date with Dr. Rothwell for 4/21/2002. This was the day that changed my Life not only Physically, but emotionally,too. The day of my surgery, I went to the OR with a wt of 242lbs. Being 5'2 and 58yrs., the entire staff was so concerned about me. Talk about having Prayer Warriors, I had mine doing Overtime!
I had chose Dr. Rothwell because I was told he had the GBS OPEN RNY,Too. This was so important to me because, I knew he would understand exactly the feelings I would have.I became acquianted withthe other surgeons and staff at Dr. Rothwell's office. I believe, all of them were hand chosen to be able to work with baratric patients. They were the B_E_S_T !!!!!
After my surgery, I was, so blessed by having my husband to care for me. He had just retired in Feb before my surgery in April. I did have some minor complications, with my GBS, like a very light case of Pneumonia. I believe, this was due to my inability to move and turn as often as I should have. I did have nausea and Diarrhea but it was calmed with Sugar-free popcicles and Lemon Juice for the Nausea. I had another trip to the hospital because of my nausea. This was an overnite stay.
Finally, I am so pleased , with my GBS. I have lost so much wt.126lbs. now. If I had to do it all over again, I would have the GBS every 6mo. to stay as healthy as I am now. God is good and has brought me this far!
I feel better than I have in 35yrs. Now, I am able to be socially active and the Social Butterfly I used to be before my wt. gain. You know, when you look good; You feel good,too! All of my blood values have been almost completely normal. Incidentally, Before my GBS, I was taking 5 Insulin injections, plus 2 oral diabetes meds, combined with all of the many other pills I had to take.
8mos after my GBS, I had to have Hernia Repair surgery and after the Repair was done, I had a Tummy Tuck. For this surgery, I would do it over 100times for the difference in my appearance. My Husband says "WOW" !
If you need the GBS, GO FOR IT!!!! It is a very wonderful, worthwhile, journey for you to take.
Lynda Phillps 4/2002 post Open Roux and Y BMI 45 I( think) wt loss 126lbs. current wt.117lbs 5'2ht. BMI 22.3 Also almost 64 yrs( young)
