Lisarn1
My name is Lisa (Elissa actually, but i only use it professionally). I just turned 50 this year. YAY for me! I am a Registered Nurse and work as a telephonic health educator at this time. I am married to the most wonderful man. Our 8th wedding anniversary is coming up at the beginning of November. I have two grown sons, and 2 grandchildren.
I've been "on the chubby side" most of my life, but after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was 15, it became a roller coaster ride. After my pregnancies, I had a hard time managing my blood sugar and my weight yo-yo'd. By the time I was 30, my weight was on a steady incline. I topped out at 270 Lbs after a radical hysterectomy 4 years ago, though I lost that and have hovered between 245-255 ever since. I realized that there has to be a better way.
Like many of us, over the years I have tried many different weight loss plans. I have maintained a low fat, low carb, high protein, calorie controlled diet for so many years that I don't know how to eat any different. None of it ever helped me lose more than 35 Lbs at a time before stabilizing. It was the same with exercising. Nothing seemed to help. I thought I was stuck with this body and the slowly increasing problems related to BP, cholesterol, and arthritis. Thankfully, my blood sugar is well controlled.
I never really thought of WLS as a viable option for me until I was doing some research for a class last year and happened upon some very intriguing information on the success rates for people like me. Although I know that my diabetes will not be "cured", I have come to believe that it can improve other aspects of my health. There has to be something in the malabsorptiion process that has to make a difference. I can only hope for the best.
