Paulette M.

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

It's been 10 years since my DS.  Yes, 10 years.  I can hardly believe it.  Overall, I am happy that I went through this process.  It was difficult and challenging along the way but I believe my life is far better without those 150 pounds.  Do I still have other issues?  Yes, but I'm no longer Diabetic or have High Blood Pressure.  Been off all meds since the day of surgery.  However, I now deal with Iron Infusions and Vitamin Deficiencies that I have to stay on top of.  You cannot forget to follow up with your Surgeon and do the necessary labs to checks your levels.  If you do this than you can manage very well.  I originally lost 150 pounds but have regained about 8 to 10.  I bounce up and down these 10 pounds depending on how bad my eating is.  When I'm doing the right things I feel good and have stable weight and few bathroom issues.  When I go nuts and eat wrong, I gain, feel bad and spend more time in the bathroom.  I'm now embarking on the part of my journey that has lead me to a TT with BA tomorrow.  This too will be very challenging, but hopefully the final chapter in this journey.  Overall, I am well, I am happy and I am participating in my life instead of watching it go by.

Well, it has now been 8 years since my DS.  Initially I lost 150 pounds.  Admittedly, I have let myself gain 15 pounds this last year.  I struggled with comfort eating these last eight months while my mother was dying.  I know it is not an excuse but I do realize that I went back to my old ways of comforting myself, when comfort could not be found elsewhere.  I intend to try very hard to get back to where I was before, and I'm sure that I will. 

I can't say that this road has been easy but I would travel it again without too many doubts.  I no longer take medications for diabetes, high blood pressure etc.  I still struggle with some vitamin deficiencies like D, A and Calcium.  I'm anemic now but have that under control with supplements as well.  I would trade vitamins any day for the ravages of Diabetes.  I've seen up close and personal what it can do and it was a driving force in my decision to have the DS.

I eat very well these days, probably a little too well.  I feel well most of the time and I can be physical.  I feel like a "normal" person most days.  WLS is never an easy decision, but knowledge is power and I feel like I went into this with my eyes wide open and I have no regrets.