Gina K.
I had the surgery in May of 2004. it was hands down the best decision I've made for myself. I am so far from being that "person" I used to be I don't even recognize pictures of my pre-surgery self. It's hard to imagine that was me.
Top 10 Reasons I'm glad I had the surgery.
10. I can sleep without a bunch of pillows. Now I really just need one for my head.
9. I can get up and down off the floor without embarrassing myself and feeling like a stuffed pig.
8. I can see my collar bones, knees, jaw bones, and a bunch of bones I didn't even know I had!
7. I can walk into any store and buy clothes off the rack.
6. I feel "normal"
5. I can breathe when I walk
4. I can see my waist.
3. I can play with my son without feeling like I'm going to die.
2. People treat me differently.
1. I like who I see when I look in the mirror.
This surgery is not easy. For anyone out there who is considering it I would say "go for it" but beware it's huge life change. I will never eat the same as I used to. I eat pretty much what ever I want with exception of the things I know will make me feel sick (scrambled eggs, cake with buttercream frosting, gourmet ice creams, etc) but mostly I can eat anything I just don't eat much of it. When I feel the slightes bit full I stop. That's the key to keeping the weight off. I have never been one of the "protien shake" people. They taste terrible and don't think they are necessary. (Maybe in the first couple of months but after that you should be able to eat enough of the right things to get your nutrients without having to drink those things.
The first couple of months I asked myself "what the hell did I do to myself???" I had complications in surgery that almost killed me but luckily I had a good Dr. and everything turned out ok. Even with all of that I would do it again in a heartbeat knowing how much my life has improved.
My advise to someone thinking of doing this surgery is DO IT. fight your insurance and don't take "no" as their final answer... they tell every one "no" at first. A good letter and a good DR should get you approved. Stick it out, get good support from friends and family and do this. It will save your life... it saved mine both phyiscally and mentally.
One of these days I'll post pictures. :)
Currently I'm 18 weeks pregnant - havent gained any weight so far - and feel great. It feels wonderful to wear cute maternatiy clothes this time instead of things that just fit. Also, I've had no complications with this pregnancy like I did with my son (pre-surgery). With him I had pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. This time is a piece of cake.
Good luck to you all!
