One year ago...
I have my WLS on 4/21/2005. It proved to be the most amazing day of my life, second only to the day I gave birth to my daughter.
I was 255 pounds, had a BMI of 42.3, was on high blood pressure meds, was about to start taking high cholesterol meds, couldn't climb a flight of stairs w/o losing my breath and felt like life was passing me by.
Fast forward 365 days: I'm 154 pounds, have a BMI of 26, lost 5 pants sizes, 3 bra cup sizes, 1/2 a shoe size, have perfect BP readings, according to my surgeon, I have the "cholesterol of a newborn," and routinely climb 12 flights of stairs rather than wait for the elevator when I'm at work.
My self-esteen is back, I can chase my daughter around, play in the park with her, and have never felt better.
For me, it's not about looking better, it's about feeling healthy and teaching these habits to my daughter. Life is no longer passing me by, I'm living every minute to the fullest.
I thank my lucky stars for Dr. Piotr Gorecki and his team. They are nurturing, knowledgable and compassionate.
I thank my friends and family for supporting me.
I thank my husband and my parents who helped me get through some tough times and through some minor complications.
I also thank God, for watching out for me on the fateful day one year ago, when I took a drastic step to help save my life.
I wish all the April babies continued success,
L*
Dixie, I can understand your concerns. I had doctor roy cobean in S. Portland and was very happy with everything. My surgery was 7 weeks ago come Monday and I have not had one complication. I have not been sick, I had very little pain and the office and Maine Medical staff were great to work with. Are you considering haveing gastric bypass or lapband? I had gastric bypass, Lap RNY. This has been the best decision I have ever made. I have a great husband who did not feel I needed to loose the weight but could understand that I hated seeing myself the way I was and not being able to enjoy the things that I once did. I have lost 33 pounds and I was actually able to get on our motorcycle without any trouble - It was great.
Feel free to email me whenever you want. [email protected]
Juli
Hi Dixie!
I'm Stella from Presque Isle. I had open gastric bypass this past September in Bangor with Dr. Donald Clough.
I, too, had a lot of misgivings about going through with this surgery and my husband kept assuring me he liked me just the way I was. But I had severe health issues that were threatening my life and knew I had to do something, even if it was desparate and risky.
I did a lot of research on line and decided to go to Bangor because of what I learned and also because first hand testimony backed it all up. The team in Bangor got glowing reports from all accounts with a minimal rate of failure...and I have since learned that is because the patient did not hold up their end of the bargain.
What it boils down to is that YOU have to be comfortable with the doctor you choose to do this with and YOU have to be educated before beginning this life changing journey.
Bangor is the only weight loss center in this state that has received credentialing as a Center of Excellence. That is the highest rating a hospital can receive that does this type of surgery. They have a full team from nurses to dieticians that take you every step of the way to prepare you for surgery AND beyond. Their rate of success, to date, is better than the national average!
It might be worth your while to go to an informational class to have your own questions and concerns addressed. The first meeting is free, after that you either sign up or go elsewhere. I have absolutely no regrets about my decision. It's a 3hr drive from here to Bangor, and I'm still glad I went there to have it done.
I'll be happy to help you any way I can, if there's anything else you'd like to know. This is a decision you have to make for yourself and no one else. Good luck!
~Stella [email protected]
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