Sandy K.
Hi, My name is Sandy K. and I had gastric bypass on 12-19-09. I had debated for years about this and last May decided that I was going to get it done. When I got on the scale at 310 pounds, it was an immediate decision. The last time I weighed myself I was around 280 or so. I was disgusted. I am 42 years old and hadn't been to a Dr. since my last child was born 10 years ago. I couldn't stand to get on a scale even in a Drs. office. I knew I had to do this before I suffered serious health issues..being morbidly obese was really my only "problem". But I was tired all the time, had no energy, and would occasionally seclude myself from doing things that anyone should be able to do. The day I walked out of the surgeons office I changed everything about the way I ate, started walking some, and lost 45 pounds by the time I had surgery, I would have never been able to do that and keep it off before but I was and am extremely determined and will never let that happen again. I found out I had gallstones at the same time my insurance approved the surgery so I had my gallbladder out at the same time as the bypass, and was only in the hospital overnight and went home the next day. There is nothing about being obese that is easy, you never see yourself as big as you really are. I am pleasantly surprised how well I recovered, and how I feel, I feel great.....I can eat pretty much anything as long as I eat slowly and watch the portion size. I have thrown up maybe 4 times probably due to what it was (pork/groundmeat, etc). I have lost another 30 pounds since surgery so I have lost a total of 75 pounds so far and can't believe it. Relatives and friends know of course but only in the past week or so 3 different people that didn't know have mentioned that I'm losing weight and that feels good. I think when you are so big people are afraid to say anything about weight or maybe they just didn't notice at all till now. But the positive comments have helped me know that the hard work is paying off. before surgery my focus was losing weight to get approved but now my focus is to eat healthy, get the protein and liquids and take vitamins and the weight will come off. It is a struggle to get enough protein and the liquids. I love ice water! That is pretty much all I drink and don't crave anything else as far as drinks. Amazing considering I was "addicted" to diet pepsi before. Reading other stories really helps keep me motivated because its a new life and there's a lot to learn.
