jamesale
My journey started in January of 2007. I made a resolution to get healthy. Weight was not my concern; I just wanted to improve my health. I was approaching 457 pounds; I had diabetes, problems with my ankles, knees, and lower back. I had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and my cholesterol was over 200 (mostly bad LDL) and asthma. My doctor wanted to put me on cholesterol lowering drugs. All I could do is go to work and come home and sit in a chair. My weekends were spent resting from exhaustion. I felt that my first order of business was to get moving. I joined a gym, lifted weights and chose swimming and water aerobics (many times I was the only male in the class) and lost 35 pounds over the summer.
I realized that all of my problems were weight related. In September, I began to research the idea of weight loss surgery. I researched the internet, talked to people I knew at work that had the surgery and talked with my doctor. I attended a weight loss surgery seminar. I knew then, this is what I need to do. Every diet I had been on which included Weight Watchers, Atkins, low carb, you name it, and it has been tried. Every diet I had tried before, I had always regained the weight plus a few more pounds.
I started with my six month diet again with my primary care doctor because my insurance required it. I talked with a dietentician, had many different test. I went to a heart specialist and got cleared for surgery; this process took me approximately 9 months. In May I started a liquid diet and lost 40 more pounds over the three weeks I was on it. I can remember it was hard and I was a little hungry but I knew this is what I needed to do and I did not want to do anything to mess up the surgery. I had a RNY Gastric Bypass on June 11, 2008.
Since going to my weight loss doctor, I am now 5 month out of surgery and have lost 131 pounds. My health has improved. I went from a size 62 jean size to a size 44. People now see me as an inspiration. I am more assertive and happy. Now I have no more problems in my knees, or back. My asthma is gone. My blood pressure has improved. My cholesterol, now normal is 155 (mostly the good kind) and my sleep apnea is gone. I now am more active and have more energy and exercising 3 or 4 times a week. I attend support group meetings 3 three times a month.
I cannot say it was an easy road. Parting with food was hard. My life has changed for the better. I am in a better state of mind. Surgery was the right thing for me. I would recommend it to any one with my problems. I will continue to improve and remember my new year’s resolution in January 2007 to make my life healthier. Would I do it again? You bet. This experience has been the most positive thing I have done for myself. My journey still continues...
