Four Month Surgiversary-Long post

Four months ago today I was laying in a Mexican hospital at 530am waiting to have 80% of my stomach removed. The decision to drive me to such a dramatic step loomed as a dark cloud hanging over my head. High blood pressure, insulin resistance, knee surgeries and a family history of heart disease only helped motivate me to take the needed steps to having WLS. So I began seeking out options and choices and was overwhelmed until I found OH. I began researching in Aug of 2008 and in the beginning I considered the lap band, but after additional research and very useful advice from my OH family I decided on the VSG. I chose the VSG because I wanted something that was permanent and not have to deal with fills. I didn’t want my bowels rearranged and have to deal with malabsorption. The more I learned and read the greater my desire to make this happen grew. One of the most surprising experience of the journey in the beginning was that I was considered a lightweight. In all my life, I know no one had ever considered me a light weight. I must be honest that in the beginning I regretted my decision. I really regretted the decision on Dec 29^th 2008 when I was rushed to the ER with a ruptured bowel that went septic and required emergency surgery  and left me with a extremely expensive hospital bill that my insurance wouldn’t cover because they claim it was related to WLS Surgery. I am currently appealing this is decision and praying to god that they cover some of it. I also had an esophageal stricture that occurred last Saturday that I had to have dilated. But even with all of this I would still do it again in a heart beat. To date I have lost 45 pounds and have between 25 to 35 pounds to go depending on whose view you ask about my goal weight. I will be honest and say that I don’t always follow the rules a 100%, but I try. I also have a major motivator in the fact that I was a self- pay. Every time I think about eating something I ask myself is taking a bit of something or drink of something worth risking that $10000 investment you made for health. I have yet to find any food or drink that is worth that amount. I have had several NSV such as the ability to ride my bike without my butt hanging over the seat. I can fly in a plane without feeling like I am infringing on someone personal space. It is easier for me to get up off the floor and I can finally wear some of those clothes I have put away once I reach that certain size. The only issue now is those clothes are all out of style. I find it odd that through all the moves I have made that I brought those clothes with me. I wonder if subconsciously I knew one day I would reach the point I was sick of being fat. I also actually weight less than what is on my driver’s license. I also have to confront struggles and stressor in my life head on. Before the VSG I was able to use food to cope. Now that food is no longer emotional crutch I have to learn new coping skills.   So all and all I am grateful to God for the surgeon I found. I am grateful for my surgeon who gave me a new start, and mostly I am grateful for each one of you who have given your support, your insights and experience and your willingness to support me and others as we make this life changing experience back.
May Each of you be blessed a 1000 times over for all you have done. And may the rest of your journey in life provide you joy, happiness, unconditional love and success.
WALK IN LIGHT AND BE THE LIGHT

What a wonderful post! Congratulations on your success and best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!