For those of you wondering...
HI there...For those of you wondering whether or not the journey is worth it, I"m here to tell you...it absolutely is!
I am 4 1/2 years out. My total weight loss has been around 130 pounds.
I decided to make this life decision because I realized there were going to be things I"d never be able to experience with my children (who were 3 at the time) and that really bothered me. Although I was morbidly obese (my highest weight was 304...I was 287 when I had surgery) I didn't have a lot of the health problems associated with being overweight. But...there were things I had issues with (like fitting on a roller coaster).
I actually haven't been on this site in a while, but the reason I decided to post this is simply because I am SO grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey and thankful that this surgery is possible. We went on a cruise this past August and did parasailing. Something I wouldn't have been able to do WITH my son if I hadn't lost the weight. On the vacation we just got back from, I crawled and climbed through those 'nets' and 'tubes' they have for kids at theme parks. I can't even fathom trying to do that previously. I went on a kid-friendly zip-line (where the max weight is 250)...and they were weighing ALL Adults. No problem! :) And of course, I have absolutely NO ISSUES with roller coasters now. I joyfully go on whatever the kids want to go on and don't do the mental prayer that I'm going to fit.
As you go through you may feel like it's horrible...you may wonder if you made the right decision...Lord knows the protein shakes aren't the best, and taking so many vitamins and whatnot is a pain...LOL...but at the end of the day...if you work the plan, exercise and do what you're supposed to be doing...you will realize benefits you never thought possible.
I wish all the best of luck in their journeys...thanks for reading!
Dawn
I am 4 1/2 years out. My total weight loss has been around 130 pounds.
I decided to make this life decision because I realized there were going to be things I"d never be able to experience with my children (who were 3 at the time) and that really bothered me. Although I was morbidly obese (my highest weight was 304...I was 287 when I had surgery) I didn't have a lot of the health problems associated with being overweight. But...there were things I had issues with (like fitting on a roller coaster).
I actually haven't been on this site in a while, but the reason I decided to post this is simply because I am SO grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey and thankful that this surgery is possible. We went on a cruise this past August and did parasailing. Something I wouldn't have been able to do WITH my son if I hadn't lost the weight. On the vacation we just got back from, I crawled and climbed through those 'nets' and 'tubes' they have for kids at theme parks. I can't even fathom trying to do that previously. I went on a kid-friendly zip-line (where the max weight is 250)...and they were weighing ALL Adults. No problem! :) And of course, I have absolutely NO ISSUES with roller coasters now. I joyfully go on whatever the kids want to go on and don't do the mental prayer that I'm going to fit.
As you go through you may feel like it's horrible...you may wonder if you made the right decision...Lord knows the protein shakes aren't the best, and taking so many vitamins and whatnot is a pain...LOL...but at the end of the day...if you work the plan, exercise and do what you're supposed to be doing...you will realize benefits you never thought possible.
I wish all the best of luck in their journeys...thanks for reading!
Dawn
Dawn McG
consult/surgery/current
282/270/165--and totally happy!!!
Abdominoplasty (TT) scheduled for 3/3/10
consult/surgery/current
282/270/165--and totally happy!!!
Abdominoplasty (TT) scheduled for 3/3/10
I am only 14 months post op but have lost over 230 lbs and am able to do the same things you mentioned. I just parasailed for the first time with my 11 year old son last week. Roller coasters are no longer an issue. This is the best decision I have ever made as well. Congrats on your continued success. You are an inspiration to us all.
ShebasMom
on 11/14/11 3:43 am
on 11/14/11 3:43 am
Revision on 07/05/16
Thanks for the inspiring story. There have been many things I couldn't do because of my weight. I'm 54 and not getting any younger. I needed to start living again while there was still time. This inspiration gives me hope during my journey.