Before & After RNY with sjoliver23, losing 115 pounds!
June 19, 2018Why I Decided to Have WLS
I was always the kid that was told you’d be "cute" if you’d just lose a few pounds. Growing up, being overweight, and losing weight was about looks, how I looked.
I lost weight my senior year of high school, but three years later, I became pregnant. I gained the weight back plus about 50 pounds. I tried Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, and diet pills. Nothing seemed to work. At age 30, I was trying to obtain diet pills, yet once again, and discovered that my blood pressure was at a stroke level. I was directed to go straight to my primary care provider. My PCP put me on three medications in an attempt to control my BP.
Later in December 2002, we decided to chaperone a youth trip for spring break and I knew I needed to get some of the weight off before that trip. I was at 255 pounds. In those three months, I managed to get off a whopping six pounds. It was a trip to Disney and I was riding amusement park rides with tiny 7th graders. The girls didn’t understand why the bar on rides wouldn’t close anymore.
I decided then, I HAD to do something.
When we returned home, I reached out to my PCP. She scheduled me for a sleep study and I made an appointment with Dr. Terry Pinson, a bariatric surgeon. My PCP felt the uncontrolled high blood pressure was a result of weight induced sleep apnea. If I was experiencing this in early 30’s, what would I be facing in the later years, if my life didn’t change?
After the sleep study, I met with the pulmonologist and he told me I WAS borderline apnea and that the average American gained five pounds a year, unnoticed. So that meant at 255 pounds, in five years I’d be around 275 pounds possibly. After meeting with Dr. Pinson, he felt I was a qualified candidate and that we could control my comorbidities with the result of bariatric surgery.
I spent a lot of time in prayer during the process that if this was not right for me, God would close that door. From April to August, every door opened!
Before & After RNY with sjoliver23
OH User Name: sjoliver23
Total Weight Loss: 115 pounds
Surgery Type: RNY
Surgery Date: August 12, 2003
Surgeon: Dr. Terry Pinson
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
I had RNY on August 12, 2003. On the day of my surgery, I felt completely peaceful. Thankfully, I had the support of my husband, son, and dad through the process. Dr. Pinson was very motivational and supportive. I was in the hospital for four days. They were able to perform my surgery laparoscopically and I was back at work in two weeks.
There were struggles in the beginning. Being from the south, there is a lot of social eating. I struggled mentally with what to do with myself. I didn’t know what to do while everyone else was eating...and eating...and eating. It was a mental battle for me. I felt like I was on the outside looking in and not a part of the group.
As time went on and the weight began to come off, I felt better and that was not as big of a struggle anymore. The benefits were outweighing the difficulties.
15 years later, I still struggle mentally with body image. I don’t know if it will ever heal completely. The health benefits are a huge factor in staying diligent in keeping the weight off, eating right and maintaining an exercise routine.
I often get asked by those considering surgery if I have to exercise.. no, but I highly recommend it for your success. Find what fits you! I started with Curves, in the beginning, I then went to Zumba, and three years ago, I found my home, Fitcamp Beginners Bootcamp for Women. I have a wonderful coach, Casey Sanders.
We have a very supportive group, guidance, and encouragement. I am still experiencing positive body changes... yes.. 15 years out. It’s not a 12-week program to a hot body. It’s a lifestyle change and I continue to learn and work on my body and health. I’ve now lost a total of 115 pounds and off my medications. I take a prescription B12 injection monthly, a prescription vitamin D weekly, and prescription iron daily. I had a mini-tummy tuck in December 2016. That is the only plastic surgery I have had.
A Special Milestone / Non-Scale Victory
Some of my greatest NSV's are hiking to a waterfall in the Smokey Mountains, to being in a bikini in the Caribbean and feeling confident.
My best advice is to stay diligent and surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Close the gate on those jealous people who WISH they had the guts to do what you have done!
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