My 56 th birthday - big deal?

Hey folks - haven't posted here in a while but I do check the board from time to time. Hope everyone is doing well and life is good for you.

Well, I celebrated my 56^th birthday July 16th.  So what . . . big deal, huh?  Well yeah, it really was because two years ago I didn’t think I would make it to that day.  Neither did my cardiologist or PCP.  I had 5 heart attacks the first week of January 2003 and had to have a pacemaker and stent. I was taking 13 medications a day as a result of that.  My weight just kept increasing by the week. As the weight increased my health decreased two-fold.  In fact, the way my health was going, they told me that WLS was the only option they knew of left for me to have a chance to survive more than another year or so.  I weighed 397 lbs. and had developed all kinds of health problems - congestive heart failure, severe edema of the feet and legs, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, acid reflux and a lot of other problems related to the weight gain. I was not living life, I was just existing – just breathing and taking up space. Each day became harder to get through than the last one was.  I felt absolutely miserable – both physically and mentally. 

It’s been 15 ½ months since I had my RNY surgery and I have lost 215 pounds total. I now weigh 182 pounds. I now wear size 33 pants instead of size 50-52 and my shirts are medium-large (depending on brand) rather than the 3X -4X shirts I had to wear before. The congestive heart failure, severe edema of the feet and legs, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, acid reflux and everything else is GONE! No more daily medications.  No more bi-pap machine to sleep at night.  I can now exercise – walk, weight train, ride a bike, play ball with the grandkids, mow the lawn, ride my Harley on long trips – whatever I choose or want to do!  It is totally amazing how much the quality of my life has improved since I had my surgery.  Every aspect of my life is better now – physically, mentally, medically, socially – everything!

For those who are considering WLS, I can’t and won’t tell you what you should do. It’s a personal decision and one that only you can make.  But I will say - Do your homework – read, research, ask questions and educate yourself about WLS.  Talk to your physician, talk to those who have had WLS, attend a seminar or two.  Weigh the options and the risks involved. Then, decide what is best for you. Good luck to you, whatever you choose.  For me, having RNY was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I would take the risks and do it all again tomorrow.  

Here's a couple of pics of me then and now - there's more on my profile:

Now:


Then:

 

Congratulations and Belated Happy Birthday.  You look fabulous but most importantly, you are alive!!  Thanks for sharing your inspiring story!

Thanks Kay! I feel like a new man and am enjoying life again!

Congrats BAMA BOB--Good to see you posting here--lot's of good people on this board.  I enjoy the men's board on occasion also.

i was headed the same direction you were with health and with WLS--RNY--I hope to be as successful as you.

God Bless and have a great SON-DAY.

Thanks Volfan! You're doing great so far. Just stick to your plan, stay focused, dedicated, and determined and you'll reach your goals and be  healthier and happier. 

Keep on keepin' on - and ROLLLL TIDE! ! 

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to you.You look fantastic.Val

Thanks Val!

Hey Bob!!!  Oh I love to hear stories such as yours.  It makes me feel so great, but I know more than that, you feel great. 

CONGRATULATIONS AND WAY TO GO!!!!!  You have done a great job.  You look great!!!  Happy belated birthday also.

Thanks Carmen!

Congratulations...You look amazing.  I am so glad your health has improved so much.  I am about to begin my journey on the 31st of August...Thanks for the words of encouragement in your post...I by no means am wishing my life away but I look forward to been six months down this road....

Oh, BTW....War Eagle.....hehehe I could not resist....