June 8th, 2005... one year later...

Well.... it has been one year since my surgery.... and what a year it has been indeed... I started at 427 pounds, was at 409 pre-surgery... I am now 263 pounds, having lost 146 pounds since the surgery. I used to wear a size 5X shirt, which was still tight and my belly would hang out the bottom... I wear an XL now... 2X work shirts .... My shoes were special order, 5X width, size 12, usually costing around $140 + dollars... and my feet hurt all the time. I now wear regular shoes I buy anywhere... D width, usually about $30 or less My pants were a 55 waist I now wear a 38. Without being too graphic, I will confess to not being able to take care of personal hygeine in the bathroom without extra appliances and lots of huffing and puffing... and all the misery and feeling of being trapped that went along with that... I am free now.. I could not tie my shoes, put on socks, pick up anything off the floor, cross my arms or cross my legs, clasp my hands behind my back, put on a belt, or walk any distance over 50 yards without tiring and breathing hard. Exercise was nearly impossible, and most treadmills are rated for only 300 pounds... I now do 45 minutes on the treadmill and complain that I cannot get my heart rate high enough... The only job I could do was sit at a desk and take phone calls... Now I have a very physically demanding job that I enjoy... I just love being outdoors I reckin Driving was miserable, seatbelts didn't fit, airplanes were out of the question, as were theaters, turnstiles, baseball stadium seats and restaurant booths... and walking was nearly impossible. I now have absolutely no restrictions at all now... I was on multiple medications for a variety of problems... at least 12 pills a day for blood pressure, knee and foot pain, depression, and on and on.... My BP is now 136/72, and I have no knee or foot pain, and the only pills I take are vitamins and supplements. I was with a woman who just tolerated me... because I supplied a paycheck.... I now have a woman who actually loves me, and I can actually give her the love she deserves in return... and we are getting married June 24th I can't wait to see what the next year brings.... This site has been a wonderful place of support and information.... and I thank you.

Well CONGRATULATIONS.....That is awesome.....I can't wait to see what a year brings to me...hopefully I will have the great success you have. See you on the happy and healthy side, Lea Lewis

Congratulations Mark, keep up the great work.. Shon

This is great, so wonderful to hear of your successful year. Congratulations on the outcome.