Before & After Gastric Bypass with Kellybelly333
October 11, 2016Celebrating Kellybelly333's Before & After RNY Gastric Bypass Journey!
I began my journey to weight loss surgery in late 2009.
I was 36-years-old and I had another appointment with my family doctor to have my medications adjusted. I was on two types of blood pressure medication, on my fifth change of medication for depression, medication for high cholesterol, a CPAP machine for my sleep apnea, and one last go at Metformin for my diabetes before we thought that it was time to switch to insulin.
My doctor looked at my weight of 242 pounds. My weight was higher than when I was at the end of my last pregnancy. My doctor looked at me and asked if we should consider weight loss surgery again. I had previously been approved but thought I would try again to become healthy without the tool. I agreed with her that it was time. My doctor told me that was a good decision because she was worried that I wouldn't make it past age 50. I had two little children, and I wanted to be there for them. I wanted to live life fully, instead of living life depressed and in pain.
Before & After RNY Gastric Bypass
OH Username: Kellybelly333
Total Weight Loss: 105 pounds
Surgical Procedure: RNY Gastric Bypass
Surgery Date: 3/23/2011
Surgeon's Name: Dr. Mary Ann Aarts
On March 23rd, 2011, I put my faith in Dr. Aarts and underwent Roux-En-Y surgery. My journey wasn't easy. The RNY itself was three hours longer due to a malfunction in the staple gun.
Since then I've had my gall bladder removed, a panniculectomy, emergency bowel obstruction surgery, a minor repair to my panniculectomy, which turned into a full revision of it, 18 iron infusions (ferritin was as low as 2). In addition, I have borderline osteoporosis in my spine, hip, and neck and had another repair to my bowel two months ago (twisted bowel and hernia repair). HOWEVER, I have always advocated for myself, and I remain with a positive outlook because although I have had issues since my surgery, I remain free of all medications, happy with life, and I know I will make it far past 50! I take my vitamins, I get my protein in, I get my water in, and I exercise. Most of all. I enjoy life! I went from my highest of 242 (231 at surgery time) to my lowest of 126. My personal goal was 135.
Special Milestones
I have completed three half marathons, three full marathons, two half Ironman races and did my first full Ironman last year (4km swim, 180 km bike ride, and full marathon 42.2 km run).
Due to a few surgeries in 2016 for a removal of a tumor (benign!! yay!) in my bowel, I was unable to participate in my third Half Ironman, or the West Coast Trail, as I was unable to train.`But I have recovered fully and I'm currently training for my second full Ironman in Lake Placid in July 2017, and my fourth marathon (with the hope of the Boston Marathon qualifier time) in November 2017. There will always be other races thrown in during the season.
I joined a triathlon club in May 2015. They were very welcoming and they are now like family. I received the Juggernaut Award last year, for never giving up during my training for my first Ironman. I never thought I would be this athletic, and that I could even remotely do what I am now capable of doing. It's interesting, being a "bariathlete," as nutrition is tricky for long distance training, but I figure out what works for me and I'm always looking for what is next for my adventures!
All of the above I would have NEVER dreamed I could do prior to surgery. All-in-all, I am still grateful for this surgery, and I will help others who have made their own decision and done the research on the self-advocacy it can take. I was told from the start that weight loss surgery doesn't fix the head and I will always have to do the work.
How has ObesityHelp.com been a part of your journey?
I came to ObesityHelp.com before surgery and found a bunch of new friends. I listened to what worked and what didn't work. Then I shared what worked and what didn't work for me. This community continues to be a great support.
Share Your Before & After Success!
We'd like to celebrate your success and share your WLS journey!
Do you have Before & Afters, special milestones and non-scale victories from your journey that you’d like to share? The OH team wants to hear from you! Visit our Before & After Submission page for details.
