mkh1078
Here’s how I did it... I apologize upfront for how long it is. I've been battling my weight for what seems like forever. Each time I would lose it, I would find it again... and it brought extra pounds with it. LOL.
Seriously, though. Obesity (and all the diseases that come with it) runs in my family. I tried Weight Watchers four times, tried Atkins, and tried South Beach a couple of times, only to gain everything back. I met with doctors and dieticians on a regular basis, and took Alli for 6 months, thought briefly about surgery. I went to a seminar and decided Lap-Band wasn't for me. But at the seminar, I realized Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was an option for me. If I did that, I wouldn't be able to eat as much, and I wouldn't be able to eat foods that were high in sugar, carbs or fat (my weaknesses) without getting sick. I had to come to terms with that choice. It seemed like no matter how I kept trying to diet and exercise, the weight always came back. Isn’t that the definition of insanity… doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result? How frustrating!!! It was even more frustrating to see what my BMI was and to see what it was supposed to be. I hated shopping or going anywhere. I ignored all the negative comments when I was fat, and at other times I felt invisible. I tried to blend in. I also had a lot of health issues because of my weight. Way too many issues for someone who was in their 20's.
I met with Dr. Hart @ Atlanta Bariatrics, and I was a perfect candidate. I prayed over the decision, and everything fell into place. I had my blood work, EKG, arterial blood gases, upper GI exam, psych eval, pre-op classes, and dietary consults completed. Dr. Hart and the hospital staff were so terrific. I had the surgery on November 12th, 2008. I have never been so nervous and scared in my life.
It was the absolute best decision I ever made for myself. It is really scary sometimes to see how fast the weight is falling off. I am now 6 months post-op, and I’ve lost 120 lbs. I am more than 70% to my goal. I’ve made a lot of adjustments. I don’t live to eat anymore. My relationship with food has totally changed. I learned how to make healthy food taste good. I’ve had to get used to the extra attention my weight loss is causing, and that was really hard at first because I am shy and quiet. I lost some friends after my surgery, and that was hard to deal with. But I have gained new friends and reconnected with so many old friends.
I feel like I have my life back. I can shop in the regular sizes now instead of the plus sizes. I can keep up with my kids now. My daughter can wrap her arms all the way around me, and my husband is so affectionate and tells me how beautiful I am. My son loves that I actually have a lap for him to sit in. I can fit in seats comfortably. I love to try on new clothes just for fun. I’m looking forward to being able to do things I haven’t tried in years. I have worn shorts this spring/summer. I want to go to the beach and have fun instead of feeling ashamed to be there. I've bought a bathing suit! I went to Six Flags and actually rode the roller coasters instead of watching everyone else ride. I’m no longer the fattest or biggest person in the room. I’m inspiring others to get healthy which is so important to me. I want everyone to be their best and live the best life they possibly can, and if I can help with that, I am so happy.
At first, I wished I could have done it on my own without the surgery, but I wasn’t able to do that. The surgery is a tool that is helping me get to where I need to be. It works for me, and as long as I stick to the guidelines I was given, it will always work. I get lots of water, exercise and quality protein (sometimes I have to use protein shakes), and I take 2 chewable multivitamins with iron, 1000 mg of sublingual B-12, and 1500 of powdered calcium citrate daily. I don’t eat foods high in sugar or fat. I don’t eat fried foods or simple carbs. My meals are high in complete protein and I have small amounts of a fruit or vegetable with my protein. For my snacks, I have complete protein and a complex carbohydrate. I can currently eat about ½ a cup of food or less at a meal, and I am full and happy. Ultimately, I will be able to eat 1 cup at a meal. I can still eat out at most places, and I can eat of the leftovers for days. I don’t miss the junk I used to eat or the extra weight I carried around. I wouldn’t want to go back to that. I feel so much better both inside and out. I don’t have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, mild sleep apnea, acid reflux, joint pain or polycystic ovarian syndrome anymore. I save so much money now that I don’t have all those prescriptions and a huge grocery bill anymore. More recently, I had another surgery for urinary and ovarian issues. Because of the weight loss, I was able to have single incision laparoscopy for that procedure.
Not everything is rosy. I did have some mild complications with dehydration and nausea in the first few weeks post-op. I also have to take a prescription supplement to maintain my potassium level. My potassium was critically low at one point. It caused me to be extremely fatigued, confused and dizzy. Because of my potassium level, I also had problems with my arms and legs going numb and heart palpitations. I also experienced anxiety and depression. I found a wonderful therapist who helped me navigate all the changes I was experiencing. Even with these issues, I would still choose and recommend the surgery in a heartbeat.
I know there is a lot of stigma associated with the surgery. Some people call it the easy way out, but it’s far from easy. I had to make a permanent commitment to an altered digestive system and a different lifestyle. I had to agree to major surgery, and I had so many tests pre-op. I had to pay my portion - copays, etc. I have to stick to my guidelines, or I will get sick. I had to develop and stick to an eating schedule, so I won’t graze. Grazing can lead to weight gain. I have to turn down food that will make me sick, and sometimes it hurts people’s feelings. (I’ll never know why people try to force people to eat things.) I have to wear a medical ID bracelet, but I found a pretty beaded one that is interchangeable. At my last support group, I was told about a service that stores my medical records. Doctors and emergency workers can access my records even if I were unable to speak. There are window decals, keychain tags and wallet cards for this service, so no matter what I can get the care I need. So I am signing up for that. Because of all the changes, I’ve had to become an open book, but I’ve gotten used it. I actually like answering questions now. :-)
At first, I didn’t want to tell anyone what I did because of the stigma the surgery carries. After time, I realized that by not telling my story that I was actually supporting that stigma. Now I gladly tell my story especially if it can help someone else. No one should have to suffer, be embarrassed or endure illness just because of their weight. I hope that my story can inspire people to take the steps they need to get healthy whether that includes surgery or not. I have some before and after pictures on here in an album.
Here are some helpful links if you are considering the surgery or if you know someone who is thinking about it.
http://www.atlantabariatri
http://www.bsciresourcecen
http://www.weightlosssurge
http://www.bariatricedge.c
There are also some great books on the market that cover every aspect of the surgery and how it impacts your life. I have read all of these, and they really helped me prepare for the surgery and all the changes in my life.
A Complete Guide to Obesity Surgery: Everything You Need to Know About Weight Loss Surgery and How to Succeed by Bryan G. Woodward, MPH, LCEP
Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You by Barbara Thompson
Obesity Surgery: Stories of Altered Lives by Marta Meana and Lindsay Ricciardi
The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery by Cynthia L. Alexander
