SheDmama

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Wow, it's been 4 years now and I don't want to ever look back!  I have lost a total of 169 lbs and have maintaned it.  I now wear anywhere from a size 10 to 12 depending on the jeans.  I use to wear a womens 28!!!!  Yikes!  I am happy beyond words, and still so very grateful to the man that made this all possible Dr. Frantzides.  I think of him daily as I know each day that I wake up, I owe it to him and of coarse the good lord. As for any tips to help others...... I cant express the importance of getting in protien, as I have learned this the hard way.  When I don't have my protien, I get very hungry.  I also exercise at curves 5 days a week.  Like I said, I don't want to even think of going back to where I came from.  I take vitamins religiously and for the most part live like anyone else, except I am aware of what could happen if I have just one more doughnut. or whatever.....this is a tool, and it works if you use it.  But like all tools they wont if they just lay there....you have to do your part with the tool to make it work.

Geesh, here is it Aug 23, 2007, 10 months since my surgery and I haven't updated a thing on here! So much has happened and changed in my life. First, my surgery went fine. I was in the hospital 3 days and within a month felt normal again as if I had never had surgery. Eating has never been a problem what so ever. Things really have seemed to good to be true, but they have truly been great and I am forever greatful to Dr. Frantzides and his staff. At this point, I have lost 90 lbs and couldn't be any happier. I hit my own personal goal of getting below 200 a few weeks ago. Yeahhh meee! I have gone from wearing a womans size 26 to wearing an XL and size 16 jeans. I'm trading clothes with my daughters for goodness sake! Something I never thought would be possible. Yes I have some skin, but it can be concealed in my clothes pretty well, and if I never have any plastics done, that will be fine, although I do see it in my future. The point is, I got my life back. I'm going to live!!!! I got off of 11 different medications, and changed my life. I am LIVING now, not just exsisting. I'm the same me, but better, because I feel better. At first, I was going to keep my surgery quite, because of any negative things others might say, but now I shout it from the roof tops if given the chance. I want to be able to tell others what finally helped me and hopefully help them in this very tough decision of having this surgery. I have sang Dr. Frantzides praise to anyone and everyone that will listen since I know having the "right" surgeon is the most important thing in this journey. I traveled 5 hours out of my area to Dr. Frantzides, and I don't regret it for one bit. He and his staff are some of the most caring people, and never did I feel judged for being obese. In fact they are just as delighted for me when I see them at my check ups and have become like a little side family to me. As time has gone on, they don't see me as much, but I still feel like family when I visit, and wish I had more oppourtunity to pop in and show off the new me!!!! LOL
So long story short, I don't regret having this surgery one bit, and will always hold a special place in my heart for Dr. Frantzides and his staff. Because of them, my life has been extended instead of being cut short from obesity. What a fabulous job that must be to have! I wish now I could have more of a part of helping others like they do.