Before & After BPD/DS with Maryann, losing 85 pounds!
May 29, 2018Why I Decided to Have WLS
On January 31, 2001, my life had changed forever with weight loss surgery!
My whole life I struggled with trying to lose weight and keep it off. I was a chubby child and over the years my weight had fluctuated up and down over and over and over again. One of my motivating factors to get weight loss surgery was my blood pressure was high, my joints hurt, I felt sluggish and I have asthma. And I absolutely didn't like the way I looked.
I am a local actress and I hated seeing myself in videos. I took a hard look at myself and I decided I needed to do something.
Before & After BPD/DS with Maryann
Name: Maryann
Total Weight Loss: 85 pounds
Surgery Date: January 31, 2001
Surgery Type: Biliopancreatic Diversion with the Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
Surgeon's Name: Aniceto Baltasar (Alcoy, Spain)
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
I had my weight loss surgery (BPD/DS) on January 31, 2001. I traveled to Alcoy, Spain and my surgeon was Dr. Aniceto Baltasar. Some people have asked me why I went to Spain and not had it performed here in the U.S. I researched the surgery thoroughly online. A lot of surgeons in the U.S. didn't do this type of surgery in 2001 and if they did, the cost was really high. And it actually cost less by going to Spain. I joined an online group and they highly recommended Dr. Baltasar.
I exchanged information with Dr. Baltasar, and I read the referrals. I traveled to Spain with another lady who also had the surgery. Dr. Baltasar is not only a top-notch surgeon, he was an amazing person! He was so welcoming, experienced and the best bedside manner anyone could ask for. I did have a complication right after my surgery. I had a mesenteric tear in my abdomen. I was rushed right back into surgery and it was taken care of.
The first few months post-op was terrible. I lost 85 pounds in the first six months. I had several bouts of nausea and vomiting. As time went on, things improved a lot. My asthma and blood pressure improved and my joints hurt a lot less! A couple of things that have been a health issue for me is kidney stones and low Vitamin D. And these issues have been addressed by my doctor.
I now weigh 135 and holding. Because of my weight loss surgery, I fulfilled a lot of my dreams! I am a local actress and losing the weight gave me a lot more confidence on stage! My social life has also improved and I have more auditions now. Losing the weight has raised my self-esteem and I feel so much better physically, emotionally and mentally!
A Special Milestone / Non-Scale Victory
My non-scale victories are the much smaller sizes I now wear. I now wear a size 6-8. And I'm stepping up to do more in my acting career. I have learned not to be a scale watcher anymore.
How has ObesityHelp.com been a part of your journey?
ObesityHelp has really helped me with resources and links to information we all can use. Blogging is also a very useful tool to keep track and help others. I love reading about the success of other members and their struggles too. I have blogged for the past 17 years and hopefully, I have been an inspiration to others. My milestones are when I decided to model and singing on stage!
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.
