ObesityHelp

I have always had a weight problem. I hate the phrase "its a shame, you have such a pretty face"! Finally, after many weight loss attempts, more weight gain and watching my parents suffer from severe health problems -- I looked into gastric bypass surgery. On 2/16/99 at 307 lbs I had the laproscopic version of the surgery at UPMC. Dr Schauer and his staff are my heros! This is the greatest gift I've ever given myself. I'm losing an average of 15-20lbs/month and starting to think like a thin person.

7/27/99 I've now been post op for a little over 5 months. I've lost 80 lbs and feel great. While my weight loss has slowed down slightly -- so have my plateaus. I (knock on wood) haven't suffered a true plateau in almost a month now. I think that this is due to my high vitamin intake, keeping my calories to a maximum of 800/day (and 50-60 g of protein) and weight training at least 3x/wk. My goal is to hit 130lbs or a size 10 -- whichever comes first. For the first time in my life I KNOW I can obtain and maintain this goal!

7/05/01 Well, I'm back! For the past 2 years I've been fighting severe depression -- I'm bipolar. During the first six months after my surgery I felt so good (and my stomach had a difficult time tolerating pills) I went off my psych meds -- with my Dr's approval. Well after about 7 months I hit rock bottom. Anyone with a similar condition -- DO NOT GO OFF YOUR MEDS! Anyway, I got all the way down to 199# -- but getting below 200 #s frightened me. I ignored dumping syndrome and just ate junk food! What a mess! I'm up to 221#s now -- but I've decided to get back on track! I visited Beth at Dr Schauer's office today & she helped me design a new meal program. Keep your fingers crossed for me! If anyone has any comments or suggestions, please send me an e-mail at Pixie61361@yahoo.com.