Before and After RNY with Maryann – 132 Pounds Lost!
February 16, 2016Celebrating Maryann's Journey Before and After RNY!
I have struggled with weight my entire life. I've lost weight over the years, but have always gained it back, plus more. I'd considered surgery but thought that I could do it myself. I hoped somehow, someday that I'd find that elusive thing that would allow me to lose a large amount of weight and keep it off.
In 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent 18 months of chemotherapy and radiation. You would have thought that would have been enough for me to take control of my health, right? It took me a little longer to finally make the decision to seek help with my weight. I had to fully embrace that I could not do it alone, and I needed something more than diet and exercise to have any hope of reaching a normal weight.
OH Username: mschwab
Weight Loss Total: 132lbs
Surgery Type: Roux-en-Y (RNY) on 11/21/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Andre Leger with Kaiser Permanente
I was approved for surgery by Kaiser and enrolled in their bariatric program in the Fall of 2013. It took me a year to complete the program and have surgery, but I put that time to good use. In that year, I made changes in my diet and started an exercise program, but most important, I worked on me. I lost 50 pounds during my year of preparation and was strengthened by twice-weekly Pilates classes.
By the time I was wheeled into surgery, I felt strong, committed and ready to take on the challenge of living after RNY surgery. I attribute much of my success to the pre-work I did and remain eternally grateful to Kaiser for their excellent program.
I have done well since having surgery. I am down over 130 pounds and at a normal BMI. I am diligent about following my surgeon's rules, and never miss taking my vitamin supplements. I exercise five times a week and eat as clean as possible. I have always loved to cook, and still do. Now I prepare dishes with lean meats, alternative protein sources (beans, tofu, etc.) and vegetables. I never feel deprived or miss eating foods that are not healthy for me.
I love my life since surgery. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself, and for my future.
My Milestones and Non-Scale Victories
My favorite non-scale victory was the day I walked on an airplane without fear because I knew I would fit comfortably in the seat and easily buckle the seat belt. I love to travel, but flying always filled me with dread. The tyranny of the airplane seat was horrible, and I would travel with my own seat belt extender to avoid the humiliation of having to ask for one. These days I no longer fear the airplane seat! I fit comfortably, use the tray table and don't spill over into the seat of the poor person next to me.
NSV: I have happily thrown away my seat belt extender!!
How Has ObesityHelp.com Been a Part of Your Journey?
ObesityHelp.com was, and continues to be, an important part of my success. On OH, I have found a community of caring, helpful men and women that are quick to aid others on their journey, and understand what it means to live post surgery. I learned so much from them before and after my surgery, and I continue to value and appreciate their help and support today. It would have been so much more difficult without ObesityHelp.com, and I don't think I would have been as successful without it.
Share your Before & After Success!
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.
