Amalia S.
A little about me...
Dec 18, 2009
My name is Amalia, I am a 53 y.o. female Greek living in Greece and as of December 18 2009 I'm 1 or 2 months away from Gastric Sleeve surgery.
I have two major health problems.
1. At 125 kilos or 275 lbs on a 163 cm or 5' 1'' frame, I am moribidly obese. I have almost always been overweight but managed to control it more or less (an ongong struggle) until my #2 major health problem stepped in and took over.
2. I have suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for 35 years but did not know about it intil 1989 when I suddenly became semi-paralyzed and the good doctors HAD to find a reason. I have been mostly in a wheelchair since 2000 as the temporary semi-paralysis turned into a permanent quadraparesis.
The combination of endless meds, strange treatments, overall weakness and overpowering fatigue did not curb my appetite, alas! In fact, after a three month steroid treatment in 1989, I gained 30 kilos (about 70 lbs.) which i could mever take off, just add to.
For years I have known that Bariatric Surgery is my only recourse but horror stories about failures in Gastric Bypasses frightened me too much to try. A few months ago, I heard about this new procedure - Gastric Sleeve - and met the top surgeon in Greece who does it. He accepted me as a patient and we are now in the prep stages for the big day, which is only 1 or 2 months away, depending on approval from the insurance.
Both my surgeon and my neurologist assure me that things will be better after I lose the weight and I have no reason to doubt them. Nonetheless, as someone who has been in and out of hospitals all my life, I know that no surgery was made in heaven and I expect to have at least a few problems of adjustment. Since my mother died just two months ago, I have only my husband to lean on now in times of trouble and although he is very suppportive, it worries me.
I go to this thing with mixed feelings, plenty of hope and gritting my teeth to withstand the obstacles of the journey until my goal is achieved.
0 comments
I have two major health problems.
1. At 125 kilos or 275 lbs on a 163 cm or 5' 1'' frame, I am moribidly obese. I have almost always been overweight but managed to control it more or less (an ongong struggle) until my #2 major health problem stepped in and took over.
2. I have suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for 35 years but did not know about it intil 1989 when I suddenly became semi-paralyzed and the good doctors HAD to find a reason. I have been mostly in a wheelchair since 2000 as the temporary semi-paralysis turned into a permanent quadraparesis.
The combination of endless meds, strange treatments, overall weakness and overpowering fatigue did not curb my appetite, alas! In fact, after a three month steroid treatment in 1989, I gained 30 kilos (about 70 lbs.) which i could mever take off, just add to.
For years I have known that Bariatric Surgery is my only recourse but horror stories about failures in Gastric Bypasses frightened me too much to try. A few months ago, I heard about this new procedure - Gastric Sleeve - and met the top surgeon in Greece who does it. He accepted me as a patient and we are now in the prep stages for the big day, which is only 1 or 2 months away, depending on approval from the insurance.
Both my surgeon and my neurologist assure me that things will be better after I lose the weight and I have no reason to doubt them. Nonetheless, as someone who has been in and out of hospitals all my life, I know that no surgery was made in heaven and I expect to have at least a few problems of adjustment. Since my mother died just two months ago, I have only my husband to lean on now in times of trouble and although he is very suppportive, it worries me.
I go to this thing with mixed feelings, plenty of hope and gritting my teeth to withstand the obstacles of the journey until my goal is achieved.
About Me
Athens,
Location
29.0
BMI
Surgery
01/26/2010
Surgery Date
Dec 13, 2009
Member Since
