katym
Where to start? I want everyone to know that it is never impossible to make choices to improve your health. I have always used a wheelchair--weight loss surgery cannot change everything--but now I am a healthier person using a smaller sportier wheelchair....
There must have been at least a few days of my life that I was a normal weight, but not in my memory. I was a very small premature infant (under 3 lbs) which probably caused my Cerebral Palsy. Gaining weight was necessary. My parents are good cooks and rose to the challenge. By the time I was aware of my size I was already quite chubby.
As I grew up I often said that the 2 things I did as well as anyone else were talking and eating, so I did a lot of both. It was very easy to rationalize eating the same amount of food as my brothers did. The problem, of course, was that they were very active, playing soccer and basketball while in school and working construction later, while I was completely sedentary.
My proudest accomplishments after college were moving to a big city and living independently in my own apartment. I thought it was impossible to do anything about my weight so I just tried to avoid thinking about it.
My doctor did not have a scale I could drive on, so she just wrote "wheelchair" on my chart instead of height and weight. Almost 15 years went by without knowing my weight. I might not have known that exact number but I was learning other numbers like blood pressure as high as 180/120, high blood sugar, and multiple prescriptions.
It was becoming a real struggle to get through daily life without help. My job had flexible scheduling but sometimes it would take me so long to get ready (especially putting shoes and socks on) that I could only work 4 or 5 hours instead of 8. Ultimately I realized that I would not be able sustain my independent living unless something changed drastically.
My mother had been suggesting weight loss surgery for years, but I had not been ready to listen. Even though I was in my 40's I often acted like a perpetual teenager with my mother. I went to an information seminar in 2007 just to say I had gone. When I went to a seminar in 2011 my motivation was very different.
It was a good thing I was determined. I had to ask my primary care physician for a referral several times. When she agreed I think it was more because she was curious to find out exactly what I weighed, rather than because she thought I was likely to be a successful bariatric surgery patient. At Dr Castellanos' (surgeon) office I was weighed accurately for the first time in years-241 pounds! Since I am only 5'2 there was no question that I qualified for surgery. The next hurdle was determining which surgery.
Initially Dr Castellanos was not sure if he could help me. Because of my medical situation gastric bypass was not recommended. That was OK with me, I did not like the idea of rerouting the intestines. The band seemed less scary. Those were the only bariatric procedures I had heard of. So I was really disappointed and confused when he said he did not want to do the band on me. Being sedentary, he didn't think I would lose enough weight to make the band worth it. I didnt know what to think. Thankfully I kept in touch and 2 months later the sleeve was approved.
I had my surgery Dec 28, 2011 and have lost more than 90 lbs. Since I knew I would never be as active as most people who have weight loss surgery, I was determined to be extremely careful about following the food plan and taking every suggested supplement. Weighing and measuring food does make a difference. Getting enough protein and water sounds so simple, but it really is the key.
Now I just need to get my finances in order after buying a complete new wardrobe......
