Hi! *quickly hides behind a potted plant and peeks out*

I've been reading the board since surgery but I've been too shy to post...so, "Hi!" I had RNY on 11/13/07 and just had my three month checkup last week. I was quite anxious since I haven't lost as much as many of you, but I have lost 53 pounds since surgery, 90 pounds since I started the pre-op part of the program in August, and 103 pounds since my highest. The best thing that has happened is that I was taking four blood pressure medications and couldn't get it under control (usually 140's/90's with it sometimes being 160/100 and higher), and within two weeks after surgery, it was normal on one med. I'm off them ALL now and I've been on BP meds for almost twenty years! At my checkup I also learned that ALL of my labs were normal including cholesterol that went from 225 to 150. I actually feel like I'm living now instead of just waiting around to die from a stroke or heart attack. I still have 68 pounds to make my tentative goal, but if nothing came of me having surgery except for what I've accomplished this far, it was worth absolutely every difficulty that I've gone through to get here. I just realized the other night that I'm very proud of myself for actually pursuing the surgery and following through with it rather than letting fear stop me, like many of my peers. I actually feel so "normal" now that it's hard to believe that it actually happened. Of course I eat smaller portions and healthier food, now, but it just feels natural, it's not much of a struggle at this point. Best decision that I ever made. I'll try not to be a stranger! Susan

Welcome Susan! you are doing so GREAT!!!!!! it sounds like you are getting along fine with this NEW way of life - that is wonderful. Nice to see you coming out and posting post more this is a great place for support, encouragement and to vent when needed ...lol wishing you continues success, Britt

You are doing great! Sounds like you had lost a significant amount of wieght in your preop stage, so that may have made your weight loss post op a little slower than some, but it is faster than many. When have you ever been able to lose 53 pounds in 3 months before? You must look and feel fabulous! Sandy

Welcome to the November board Susan and congrats on such a great success thus far... Sounds like you are doing a great job with the new way of eating and living... WTG!!! Keep up the good work!!! Shawn M.

Welcome to the board and a big congratulations on your surgery and weight loss so far!!! There is no need to be shy around here... we are all going through the same things as you are! It sounds to me like your weightloss is right on track! Marilyn

Welcome Susan! The people on the November board are the nicest people around. You will fit right in. You and I had our surgeries on the same day. I've lost 50 pounds. (51 on a good day...but that's another story) I think my scale is broken because it just won't move any more. Congrats on getting off the meds and the normal labs. That is so wonderful. It makes it all worthwhile! And you are right to be proud of yourself--you deserve to be. Here's to your continued success *tipping my Caribbean Cooler protein shake to you*

Welcome to the Nov. board. Dont be a stranger, and keep up the good work, I am glad that you are off your med's, yes it does make a difference in our life to have this surgery. Chrisy

WOW! Thanks so much for the warm welcome and the encouragement! Susan

Thanks for saying hi, and helping me remember how far I have come. I am no longer diabetic,and am off of all my bp meds, I took 3! I am off my walker. I have felt flu type lousy for the last few days, and it has been hard to hold anything down. I am feeling better though, and I needed your letter to remind me how far I have come in such a short time. I feed on the strength of you guys. Keep sharing, God bless us all!