I’m Having The Best Second Childhood Of My Life
December 4, 2013A Before and After Celebration: Featuring Jody Rielly
OH Username: Butterfly56
Weight loss: 185 lbs. in total, 160 lbs. of that after surgery on October 17, 2011
Beginning and current stats: 320 lbs. size 30, currently 135 lbs. and size 4/6. Height: 5'5"
Surgeon: Dr. Sheila Partridge, Newton Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts
I married in 1974 and divorced in 2008. During that time, I went on every diet known to man and lost and gained hundreds of pounds. I was never able to sustain a weight loss, always gaining the weight back and more. During a trip to Paris in the spring of 2011, my boyfriend asked me to marry him. I said yes and knew then and there I wanted a new level of health and fitness to go with my wonderful new life. When we returned, I immediately began researching weight loss surgery and decided RNY would best suit my needs. I found a highly recommended surgeon at NWH and began eating healthier months before my first appointment. My boyfriend and I were married in our backyard in September of 2011 and two weeks later I had gastric bypass surgery.
I am one of the lucky ones, losing steadily with no complications. I gradually added exercise as soon as possible and exercised at least an hour a day 3 to 4 times a week. I had several reconstructive skin removal surgeries in January of 2013 which made a huge difference.
How has my life changed since losing 185 lbs.? So many ways, I can't count them all. I basically just fit in the world better. I no longer worry about space and how I will navigate it. I don't miss eating large amounts of food or sugar. I was never a drinker, so I don't miss alcohol. If I want a treat, I have something sugar-free. My high blood pressure, high sugar levels and high cholesterol are all normal. My BMI went from 50 to 22. I wear a size 4 which still amazes me as I never expected to be that small. The surgeon's goal for me was 175 lbs. I just kept going and am consistently 135 lbs. Now, I ride all the rides at amusement parks. I go horseback riding. I take tap dancing lessons and ballroom dancing lessons. I even borrowed a co-worker's son's skateboard for the afternoon and I can still do it! Lol! I am 57 years old and having the best second childhood of my life! I am still the same person I was before surgery. I can just do more physically and I'm having so much fun!
My wonderful husband (who loves me for me- big or small) is thrilled for me, knowing we will have many joyful years to come.
