Razzmuffin
My story starts about 5 years ago when I watched my best friend go through RNY surgery and have great success, fall in love on the OH boards and move away from me. At that time I was right under 100 lbs overweight and convinced I was just lazy and that if I wanted to I could lose it. Well over time not only did I try, but I failed and gained 50 more lbs or so. About 2 years ago, I started looking into procedures and surgeons for myself, only to find out my insurance would not cover it, so I kept researching and reading on the forums and crying inside because I waited too long because the previous insurance company we had would have paid for it. My dreams came true though a year and a half ago, I finally had an insurance plan that covered RNY , but wait.... they require a 12 month physician supervised diet with behavior modification and exercise plan. AND the kicker I had to do for a year and still FAIL... can it get anymore self-abusive?
Well, I jumped in with both feet, successfully losing 40 lbs in 3 months with weight watchers but was quickly told by my doctor that i was doing too good and would be denied if I didn't gain some weight back.... It was a very painful time for me, and easily I gained 40 lbs plus another 10 putting me at my top weight of 309. I did survive the year and after getting all my insurance ducks in a row was easily and very quickly approved, 4 days after my file was submitted by the surgeons office. within a month I was a post-op.
I had an easy recovery with virtually no problems. I felt very blessed. I was back to work after only 7 days off. Weight was coming off, I wasn't sick, I was able to tolerate most everything I was allowed to eat and I felt good about myself. I felt good because I had done something to make my life better. During the year of my pre-op diet, my ex died very suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack that no one saw coming. He was only 48 and the father of my only child. I was now the only parent and had lots to live for. I Had more incentive and push to do well with this surgery than I could have ever imagined. Today I am almost 5 months out, I have lost 87 lbs since the start of my liquid pre-op diet (2 weeks prior to surgery) and I feel amazing. I used to hide from cameras now I can't wait for people to bring out the camera :) Its such a change. I have gone from 51.1 BMI to 36.9 in 5 months. From a size 26-28 to an 18/20 or XL I have a long way to go, but I am learning how to make it happen.
