MichelleShort
I guess I should tell my story so you all know who I am.
I just turned 31 in February. I have been offically married for 13 years this month however my husband and I have been together for almost 16 years. I was 264 pounds on a 5'4 body when I decided it was time to go through with surgery. Although I really am active, my body was beginning to reject the activity and I could see that some things in my future were going to be cut out if I didn't lose serious weight (I love sports and coach and play a lot). Surgery was not a decision that I came to very easily. I attempted to go through with it 2 years prior to my actual surgery date, but the insurance I had at that time denied it--which was probably best because it would not have been laproscopic and I don't think that I felt all that ready--I decided against appealing the decision because I thought maybe I should try on my own some more first. Needless to say, nothing worked and I just felt more and more miserable. I work for the state and saw on in November of 2005 in a Pebb announcment that they were going to start covering the surgery as of January 1, 2006--so I jumped on it! I picked Dr. Hong as my surgeon and had surgery on May 25, 2006. I have lost 72-75 pounds, depending on which day I weigh in. I have been on a horrible plateau since November. Surgery was a breeze, the after surgery pain was very tolerable to my surprise. The biggest thing was having to get used to the post-op diet--that was emotional turmoil! I got through it and only had one minor complication, if that's what you want to call it. I had a stricture, but it was easily fixed by Dr. Hong--and on the first try which is not typical, so I felt lucky. I've not had any other problems, no dumping, blood levels all well within normal if not exceeding normal. I had high blood pressure before surgery, but at 3 weeks after surgery, my blood pressure was normal and has been ever since. My primary physician took me off the medication and I have had no problems ever since. My family and friends are all amazed at my weight loss and are very supportive. I love being able to keep up with my kids and the kids I coach. I am looking forward to an aggressive year of softball (I play) and the running doesn't scare me anymore!
So that's me in a nut shell.