shellw362160

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I'm finally taking the time to write this down!!!!  This is a milestone for me, as I am a very private person, but after reading the stories of so many on OH, I want to be able to share my story, and maybe help someone too.

 

At 50 years old, the decision is finally made, no turning back this time.   I've been struggling with this decision for many years as my weight continued to fluctuate, I've tried many diets, with some very good results, and some horrible side effects!  No more, can't do it any longer.  I've learned many things along the way!  

Breast cancer diagnosis in May, 2012 has caused me to think about my health in a new way.  Getting my BMI within the healthy range will reduce my chances of a recurrence by 50%.  I'm willing to do whatever necessary so that I never have to subject my body to chemo drugs nor my family to all that goes into having a mom, daughter, sister, niece dealing with cancer.  Taking tamoxifen will decrease my chances of a recurrence, but one of the side effects is it causes weight gain.  Yes, it does, on my hips more than anyplace else!  When I did research for breast cancer treatment I found that 1/3 of women being treated during chemo actually gain weight, I knew I'd been in that class!  Like clock work, 1.6 pounds per week for 4.5 months!  Ohhhh, did I mention it doesn't come right off either?  I managed to do some Pilates sessions in preparation for my surgery, but anything that was hard cardio, I simply didn't have the strength to handle during chemo. 

 

Well I'm very excited about WLS and it will be here in no time.  I'm going through the weight loss documentation process now with the nutritionist, and necessary classes.  In the meantime, I'm continuing to do cardio 2 days per week and I've fallen in love with kettlebells (also 2 days per week)  which is helping me get stronger and showing some definition as my arms tone up.  I'm still loving Pilates too.  Soon Beyonce will be calling me for workout tips!

I've already made a decision not to share my decision to have WLS with many people, my mother being at the top of the list.  She has never struggled with her weight and when I mentioned the possibility of WLS a few years ago, I got the usual speech, eat less, exercise more, etc.  I know now that I have a metabolic issue, and will be on a medication for the next 5 years that makes weight loss a struggle.  When I have my surgery it's going to be presented as a follow-up to deal with another health issue...which is true...obesity can potentially cause a recurrence in breast cancer, so I need to lose the weight.

 

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I don't have a fancy/catchy signature yet....on the way