Sharon L.
5 years out
May 07, 2011
I had my 5 year anniversary last month and thought I should post reflections upon my journey. I had Gastric Bypass in April 2006.
For the sake of full disclosure I have had continuing health issues - but these are NOT related to the surgery - but do keep me from exercising (even walking) as much as I would like.
I started the journey at 372 - got down to 180 and then my health issues reappeared -(these issues are around a non-healing ulcer on the bottom of my foot - recurrent infections etc. I had the first of these BEFORE by GBS).
I am now very stable at 210-215. Would I rather be about 30-40 pounds lighter - yes - but given the fact that I cannot exercise - I am happy with my weight.
My goals for the surgery were to resolve my diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesterol - and honestlyy to look better.
Have I accomplished my goals? Yes all except the high blood pressure - had to go back on meds - but is better than it was. Been off all other meds (related to weight type issues) since 6 month after surgery.
Would I do this again??? Yes. BUT - there are times that I get mad that I had the surgery. When I am fighting depression regarding my other health issues - I WANT a greasy hamburger - but know if I tried to eat one - would get sick and suffer from it. I can eat a few bites - but you know when you are wanting to medicate with food =- a few well moderated bites won't do it. But that passes and I am glad that I have my "regulator" in place.
Is this surgery for everybody - NO. I have friends who have - for various reasons eaten their way back up to close to where they were. I have to maintain constant vigilance and even 5 years out - my main source of food is protein shakes. I still have 1 - 2 a day. But this is my choice. I know if I did not I would be back over 300 in a blink of an eye. What the surgery did for me was give me a tool to use - I still have to do the work. Even though I was told that before surgery - I do not know that I really heard it.
So for anyone considering GBS (and would assume the same is true for lsp band) - please know this is true and if you are not ready to make the necessary life-long commitment - then wait.
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For the sake of full disclosure I have had continuing health issues - but these are NOT related to the surgery - but do keep me from exercising (even walking) as much as I would like.
I started the journey at 372 - got down to 180 and then my health issues reappeared -(these issues are around a non-healing ulcer on the bottom of my foot - recurrent infections etc. I had the first of these BEFORE by GBS).
I am now very stable at 210-215. Would I rather be about 30-40 pounds lighter - yes - but given the fact that I cannot exercise - I am happy with my weight.
My goals for the surgery were to resolve my diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesterol - and honestlyy to look better.
Have I accomplished my goals? Yes all except the high blood pressure - had to go back on meds - but is better than it was. Been off all other meds (related to weight type issues) since 6 month after surgery.
Would I do this again??? Yes. BUT - there are times that I get mad that I had the surgery. When I am fighting depression regarding my other health issues - I WANT a greasy hamburger - but know if I tried to eat one - would get sick and suffer from it. I can eat a few bites - but you know when you are wanting to medicate with food =- a few well moderated bites won't do it. But that passes and I am glad that I have my "regulator" in place.
Is this surgery for everybody - NO. I have friends who have - for various reasons eaten their way back up to close to where they were. I have to maintain constant vigilance and even 5 years out - my main source of food is protein shakes. I still have 1 - 2 a day. But this is my choice. I know if I did not I would be back over 300 in a blink of an eye. What the surgery did for me was give me a tool to use - I still have to do the work. Even though I was told that before surgery - I do not know that I really heard it.
So for anyone considering GBS (and would assume the same is true for lsp band) - please know this is true and if you are not ready to make the necessary life-long commitment - then wait.
About Me
Tulsa, OK
Location
29.1
BMI
Surgery
04/18/2006
Surgery Date
Sep 24, 2004
Member Since
