143 lbs. down

I had my surgery on 5/13/04 and weighed 355 lbs. I now weigh 207 lbs.m 143 lbs. less. Not bad, but I had had quite a few plateaus along the way. I have been at 207 for a week now and probably will for a few more days. Then, I will drop 5 lbs. in just a couple of days. I have cravings and hit the sugar-free ice cream frequently. Also, I am eating more than an ounce at a time. I only seem to get in about 2/3 of my protein (150 grams is a lot of shakes.) The 12 vitamins and 12 calcium citrate tablets are also sometimes not completely taken. But, my labs are fine. I am now starting to exercise daily. I have a some ruptured discs and have not been able to walk more than a few minutes until recently. The weight-loss has relief a majority of the pain, increasing my mobility. I can now treadmill for 30 minutes, wheareas before I could only walk for 3-5 minutes. I also work out woth weights 3-4 days a week and am replacing some of the muscle that has disappeared along with the fat. I took my last shot of insulin the morning of surgery and my diabetes is no longer a health issue. The neurapathy in my feet is receding. Sleep apnea is gone. My asthma is also better controlled. I am more active, but still not as social as I would like to be. When people don't recognize the incredibly shrinking me, I don't bother to speak. I feel uncomfortable discussing my weight loss with most people. Hopefully I will become more outgoing this summer. I should be at about 165 lbs. by then. Good luck to all.

Brian , You have done amazing . Like you I was a sever diabetic and the last bolis of insulin I had was the night after surgery ... it is truly awesome . I have slowed my protein down a bit .. I was getting in around 90 grams but now that I am at goal , I am trying to keep it around 70 . Excess Protien can sometimes hinder weight loss . Keep in mind we need it ! You will see over time that you will emerge from inside and the social aspect of being slimmer gets better . Best wishes to you , Natalie 297-158-I am at Goal ..

Hey Bryan, Congratulations on all your success with weight loss surgery. I think this surgery means most to someone like yourself who had so many comorbidities and is now living a normal life without medicating for all those things. I hope you have continued success with your journey and keep up the great work. One question: Does your doctor require you take 12 multiviatmins and 12 calcium per day as well as 150g of protein? Never heard any requiring that much. Christie

I take 150 grams of protein, 12 multi-vitamins, and 4500 mg. of calcium citrate (anywhere from 12-18 depending on strength.) My surgeon is very conservative. I was on all liquid diet for four weeks after surgery, then soft foods for another four weeks. I have to have labs done every other month. I can't complain though. He has over 2500 of these operations and an extremely low mortality rate.