vanprestie
Van and I met in 1980 at the first Gay Day at Disneyland. We have been together just short of 26 years (June 2007). Our journey has endured many incredible challenges. We are both diabetic and had been insulin dependent with mulitple shots daily, numerous medications for high blood pressure, thyroid desease, and depression. Van, has suffered through 9 debilitating strokes, that had left him using a wheelchair and speech impaired. At one point, several years back now, due to sugar cystrals in the eye causing blindness to Van for 3 months. It was a very challenging time for both of us, Van was either in the hospital or in rehab and when home he was trapped in the house as we owned a second story condo with no lift. Being as that we both were huge I could not carry him down the stairs to get him out or back up to get him into the house. For medical appointments we relied on assistance from our wonderful neighbors. We managed some how to carry on and finally decided it was time to sell the condo and get a handicapped accessible home. We wound up in Porterville, CA, where we were financially able to build our new home. This was the time when doctors and therapist was telling me that Van had come as far as can be expected. He had stopped breathing twice prior to this as a result of strokes and had reached his potential according to the specialist. We both agreed that this was not acceptable and together developed our plan of recovery with the use of hydro therapy in our pool. And, with a consistant agressive daily routine, Van has gotten out of the wheelchair and on his feet. In 2004 he had a stent placement, which helped the blood flow to his brain and expedited his recovery. By now, I was experiencing problems with my heart, a weight in excess of 350 lbs, difficulty breathing, walking and working. Van, on his computer, his favorite place to be. Discovered and started researching weight loss surgery. After, a lot of research and discussion, Van encouraged me to contact Delano Surgery Medical Group. From there on March 7, 2005, I had GRDS surgery and the beginnings of a wonderful journey. One and half years later with the approval of his many, many doctors Van joined me on September 11, 2006 with his GRDS surgery and recovery. I am down to 185 lbs from 352 and Van at only five months out is down to 235 from 326. As expected we are both off just about all medications, no shots, no sticking fingers four plus times a day.
We enjoy biking, swimming, hiking and going to the gym together (can you believe that we enjoy working out now). We love taveling together and meeting many wonderful people along the way, who seem to be encouraged by our story. So here, we are on top of the world and loving every minute of everyday. Our advice to anyone, who is hurting for whatever reason, you can take control of your body and your life no matter what you are told by outside sources, You Are In CHARGE.
