Donnalou
My journey started like so many others. I've struggled with my weight all of my teen and adult life. I've managed to take off over 100 pounds five times in 21 years but always gained it back in record time and then some extra too. Just over a year ago I made the decision to have WLS. What I didn't know was that a friend (Glo) at work that I car pool with everyday was also doing reseach of her own on WLS. My husband and I attend a seminar at Hershey Medical Center (2 hours from my home), I was very excited after visiting the center and called the following day to schedule my first appointment. I was told that they were outside my insurance network and it would be all out of pocket expense. I have First Priority of PA. I was so depressed going home that day that Glo shared with me that she was interested and had an appointment scheduled for June 27, 2005 with Dr. Michael Bono in Hazelton. I went home and did some research on the Dr. and his practice. The next day I called the Dr. office and talked with Jane who is the bariatric nurse and has also had WLS. I ask Jane if maybe the Dr. would be willing to do a twofer. Jane said she could tell from my voice I was a nice person and she said she didn't see why we couldn't be a twofer. Since that day Glo and I have attended every appointment together and even had a surgeries the same day. I'm so glad we had each other during this journey. I didn't find the OH site until two months after my surgery from another person who had WLS. I'm so glad I found you guys.
My family has been very supportive of my surgery. My daughter is 18 years old and has always been very honest with me. My weight has been up and down her whole life. So she and my husband have known me thick and thin. I keep telling my daughter I'm going to be as thin as she is or maybe thinner. She said no way! We'll see.........
My husband took wonderful care of me after my surgery. He changed my packing everyday for weeks until it finally closed up. He prepared my food the first few days and to this day still worries if I don't get enough food in in a day.
2/25/07
I finally added pictures to my profile! WOW to look at them in a line up is weird. I can't believe it's really me. What a difference 16 months can make. I don't look like the same person. Which is good because I don't feel like the same person either. This is the sixth time in my life that I've lost more than 100 pounds, but this is definately the best I have ever felt after loosing weight. I think it's because of all the protein, vitamins and excerise. I feel like a million $. I am afraid everyday of gaining weight again. I'll just take one day at a time and use this tool the best I can.
