6 months ago today.....

I was given a gift that not only is saving my life, but is changing my life. Before surgery, I took blood pressure medicine twice a day, a hefty dose of cholesterol medicine and at least 1-2 doses of motrin a day for body aches. The only pills I take now are vitamins, calcium and stool softners!! Got my 6 month labs done and they are perfect---looks like a totally different person. My cholesterol was 144-compared to 160 on medication! My blood pressure was 110/80 OFF meds!! For some reason, this 6th month anniversary has re-inspired me. In the next 6 months, I am committed to making excercise a regular part of my journey. Thanks for celebrating with me!! Beth -85 lbs

Congratulations on your new life! Getting off of the medications you were on is huge! I too took a variety of medications and now only take vitamins etc too. Congrats to you again and take care. Karen

Amazing. You have to feel liberated. I myself was bascally only taking things for pain, like tylenol. However it was an impending doom for me that right around the corner were things like diabetes, heart disease and anything else that not only runs in my family but goes along with obesity. I just thank myself daily for having the courage to go through with the surgery. Thanks for the update and keep up the marvelous work. Shannon

Hi Beth (surgery sister!) I'm so happy for you, you have come so far! The exercise will be a wonderful next step. One question though... aren't we 5 months out at this point? I think we are. (((hugs))) and congratulations! Love, Sue

Hey..you're right! I'm 5 months starting on my 6th month! Whooo hoo! I'm always one to rush things!! Beth

Congratulations Beth - but the GREAT news is it has only been 5 months!!!!! Think of where you will be at your 6 month mark!!!!! Victoria

Congrats, and welcome to the club! At pre op, my bp was 140/96, and I was taking three kinds of asthma meds and two kinds of bp meds, along with aspirin for my heart, and meds for acid reflux. I never moved much because of how fast my heart would beat, and when I did, it took me ten -fifteen minutes to get my breath back. The last time I took those meds was the morning I went in for surgery, and I haven't used them since!!! I lost 30 pounds in the hospital, and everything just changed! I'm getting my labwork done next week, so I'll find out about how I'm doing, but right now, I feel great. My mind is clearer, I can walk through Walmart without perspiring and heavy breathing, and even though I still use my CPAP machine, I sleep better than I have in years. I actually take the machine in the early morning hours to sleep, and I haven't had any problems at all. I know I need to lose more weight before I can toss the machine,b ut that's okay. It's all good! Can wait to fit into my size 14 jeans! Grace 9/20/04 360/292/135