After 6 Years Post-Op

Sep 20, 2012

Well, It has been a while since I have posted on this site. However seeing as how I am over 6 years post-op ( by a month LOL) It's time to do so. It seems I started my journey so long ago that I now qualify as an old timer! Read my profile for more details. But here I am, alive and well.
And let me start by saying how important supplements are. If you are looking into having the DS and are not willing and or able to take your vitamins and have the follow-up lab work done then you need to do something else.
HOWEVER, if you want to get to a healthy weight, and are able and willing to continue to follow-up your health on a daily regimen. Then in my honest opinion the DS is for you.
When I started my journey I did research  & lots of it. This site was a life saver for me. And that is why I feel OBLIGATED to post now.  I ended up in Brazil, not caring when I got on the plane to go there if I would come home alive or dead in a pine box. My life was just so painful, both physically and emotionally.  I could not even step off of the curb on the sidewalk without fear of hurting myself. Weighing in at 360+ lbs comes at a price.
Now, my life is so different. My lab work is PERFECT. Sure, I have had medical issues. The last bout this past December almost killed me. But it had nothing to do with the DS. Today, my health is fine and dandy. And I feel fine and dandy.
Strange to say out loud but it's true. I was highly morbidly obese for the most part of my life and yet now I feel as if I am normal.
Isn't' it funny how being at a normal BMI for a period of time can change ones whole perception on life and how to live?
Just so you know, I lost friends when I had this surgery. They did not support me because they did not want to see as anything other than the person they knew. Honestly now, I do not miss them. IT"S OK. My true friends stuck by me and have literally applauded every single achievement I have made in my weight loss and more!
I am married now, for the past 3 going on 4 years, to a wonderful man. My job has changed. Due to the economic crap this country has gone through in the past 6 years, I don't make anywhere near the money I used too... but it's OK.
I had my plastic's done in MX. (again, read my profile) and although I still have issues (purely vain ones) with the loose skin on my thighs, and cannot wear shorter length shorts or skirts and dresses, who the hell cares? I am healthy. I am happy. I look decent, for the first time in my life. I sound vain don't I?  I'm not. When you live your life being ridiculed and laughed at behind your back or even at times to your face about looking the way that you do, well, I am sure some of you will understand me. I am being honest and upfront about things. I do so especially for those who are looking for help.
The DS has a price to pay. Or two. (OK,two) Gas & BM's. Some of you may slam me. Go ahead, it's the truth and I said it. I have a minimum of 4 BM's, I lovingly refer to as Crap Mousse every morning. AND there are days, not every day mind you, but there are days when no matter what, the gas just happens. And Dear Lord Almighty it is a killer! Weighing in at 160 or below comes at a price also.
Personally having lived at over 360 and under 160....the lesser weight wins hand down!
3 years after my DS, one of my brothers had an RNY because his insurance would not pay for a DS. He lost a LOT, and, it grieves me to say, he has gained almost, if not all of it back. My heart breaks for him. I have friends whom had the RNY as opposed to the DS whom have done pretty good. Although not one of them has a normal BMI after 6 years. And it saddens me to say most of them are at weight where they they started from.
So, to end my saga, my BMI is normal. My bowl movements and gas are not. I am the one who lives my life. No-one else. I choose the normal BMI. If I had it to do all over again, I would have done it so much sooner.
I hope and pray that my personal journey helps someone else.  
I turned 49 years old this past June. I bought my first bikini this past summer.  I'm trying not to cry while I type this. I posted those pic's here.
If I have helped you, please let me know. If I can help you I will. This site has so very many good people on it. I would not be  where I am here today without them.
Jamie

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