July 9, 2009--HAPPY SURGIVERSARY!!

Jul 09, 2009

Well, one year ago today, I was at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital spitting out water from ice chips after having the most life changing event of my life--LAP RNY surgery performed by Dr. Manfred Chaing, whom I think is the greatest surgeon in the world.

If anyone told me that I would have lost 180 pounds from my highest weight and 160 pounds from surgery weight and going from a BMI of 64 to a BMI of 37, I would never have believed it. 

I had my one year follow up appointment today and all reports were good, including the bone density scan on my spine and hips-only problem was potassium which was a problem before surgery due to my having to take diuretics.  I have given up a few things:

Constant pain in my back and knees
Shortness of breath
My CPAP machine
Having to order Roamans 5X clothes and having them starting to become tight
Constant swelling in my legs and ankles
Sleeping an average of 2 hours a night due to sleep apnea
Horrible chloresterol readings
Borderline high blood pressure
Borderline high blood sugar

I have gained

Confidence in myself
The ability to recognize myself as a person deserving to be treated with respect
Starting to like what I see in the mirror
Wrinkles because the fat is gone -
Not to have my car seat pushed all the way to the back because I couldn't fit
the ability to cross my legs
Getting a good night's sleep
Being able to exercise and enjoy it
Just being happy being alive

I think I'm reflective because I have posted a lot today which I normally haven't done. 

Thank you Dr. Chaing for giving me the tool that will help me on this continuing journey.

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