ObesityHelp

I am a 59 year old happy lesbian, partnered for 12 1/2 years to a wonderfully supportive woman. Moved to CA from Minneapolis last July. Have been thinking of wls for several years. I fought with my weight all of my life and used many diet pills and cigarettes - quit smoking in 1988 and have gained 130 pounds since then. I am an avid reader. I am a peace and justice activist - involved with civil rights since high school. Have been very active in the LGBT community.

My date is April 12, 2004 if I lose 13 pounds.
My post on my 6month anniversary. 10/12/04
Hello my friends. I woke up early this morning thinking about 6 months ago and how happy I was to be having my surgery. This has been an incredible 6 months as I've watched by body grow smaller and healthier. Six months and now I don't take any asthma medications. I was on 5 and sometimes 6 prior to surgery. I have not used an emergency inhaler since I left the hospital. I had some b/p and asthma problems in the hospital but not one complication since. My b/p meds are half of what I was taking. I can walk without wheezing and getting short of breath. I know that I've done a lot of complaining about my dental work the last 2 weeks and that has been much more difficult and painful than my GBP was. My entire family is coming to Palm Springs for my 60th birthday next month which is the week of Thanksgiving. I will have so much to be thankful for this year. They will see me a much healthier 60 than I was at 50. I am anticipating fun - and being able to get the house ready, etc without dread of not being able to do it. I will be able to hike in the canyons with whomever wants - I have the stamina to clean and cook and enjoy it all. My beloved partner Sherry used to do all of the heavy work and never complained. Now I am able to be a much fuller partner.
Thank you for all of the support over the last 6 months. Could mentiion every one of you as you have all been great friends.
I'll be very busy the next few weeks getting ready for Pride here - I'm the volunteer director so you can imagine. Some of you I will see at the OH conference as I'm planning to be there at least for Saturday. I may miss a day posting.
I still don't have a job yet but I've stopped looking until after Thanksgiving.
The mountains look red with sunrise. I am so lucky to be here in this beautiful place with the woman I love to look forward to many years of health and happiness.
I wish you all the joy I know.
Love,
Ruth
still 5'1"
253/168/150/126
12April2005
One year ago about this time I was being moved from the recovery time to ICU. Wow - what a journey this has been. And what wonderful friends I have made along the way. You are all part of my journey as I am yours.
I am feeling so successful today. I am half of my body weight and at my personal weight and health goal...Have permanently gotten rid of 127.5 pounds. I can breathe and walk and exercise and have a new job. One that I couldn't have done a year ago. Most of my clothes are size 6. My partner Sherry has been my major support every step of the way. She and all of you and my in-person support group are a huge part of my success.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I too have worked hard to be here today. Had I not had WLS I might not be here at all, let alone feeling healthy and vibrant and full of joy. It's a very emotional time for me. I've had moments today of being full of tears of happiness and gratitude.
I didn't realize how quickly this year has gone. Must be a sign of aging. But my spirit is youthful even if I am 60. But I'm so happy to be here. Sixty is a wonderful age.
Thank you all my friends.
Love,
Ruth
253/126- at goal/125.5 (current weight)


11/07/05
My before and after pictures have been added here -my after picture is my "fabulous" Halloween costume. I now am about 11 pounds below my goal and have been maintaining for about 6 months. I still go to the gym regularly, feel wonderful, feel very young as I approach my 61st birthday in about 2 weeks.
I've made lifelong friends through OH - and appreciate all the help I've gotten.
253/126/115.