XP from DS board...One Year Update...with pics...long

Ok… Where to start.  I think first off is to thank everyone on this board for their support.  I did not post much, but I am always here and read everything, glean what I need and try to give support where I can.  THANKS!

 

I started this journey at 330 pounds.  I was still pretty active but now realize that that was very hard then, I feel so much better now (at 138 pounds)

 

I have gone from having a sheriff that told me I did not look good enough to wear his uniform to a normal person… that is still so funny to say.. I have never been normal…lol

 

This journey did not start off great but it certainly ended that way.  I had an equipment mal-function during surgery that ended up causing me to have an open incision…that incision ruptured 2 days after having the staples removed and the local ER would’t touch me since their surgeon did not do the surgery.  At 10 weeks out I was back in the hospital for mal-nutrition, part my fault… part just cir****tances.  I had a stricture that was stretched and then I could actually keep a sip, bite or vitamin down.  I did develop Peripheral Neuropathy in my hands and feet (which I still have), but then my whirlwind of a journey took off.  At 10 weeks I had lost 86 pounds.  BTW that was too fast and only because I couldn't keep nothing down. None and I mean none of this was ever my surgeons fault, I just happened to catch a little more than my share of the Murphy’s Law factor.

 

I have had a steady drop in my weight the entire year even though there were many times I thought I was in a stall.  I kept up with it month to month and could see the drop and that was my encouragement.

 

Now the good stuff…

I have a 28" waist… wear a medium shirt… I was in a 32W pants and a 5X shirt, and this before plastics.

I no longer take 2 meds for high blood pressure, 1 for high cholesterol and 2 for diabetes a day

I no longer have to sleep with a CPAP

I can walk up stairs and not be out of breath

I sit with my legs crossed all the time, before I maybe could have crossed my ankle.

I park at the very end of the parking lot when shopping (new paint job…lol) and like the walk.

I don’t think I even sweat anymore, we have been having 115 degree weather here and I enjoy sitting outside… Of course I do freeze to death in the air conditioning now.

I had to remove some of the weapons from my gunbelt… there is no room for them.

I don’t walk into a room and look at the chairs and think…"will that hold me".

I sit on my husbands lap.

My son came in the other day and picked me up… boy that was a strange feeling.

I went shopping and found a shirt I liked… it did not come in my size, I was too small.

And the list goes on and on, but this post shouldn’t.

 

I Love…Love… Love my DS and have NEVER regretted my decision to have this life saving procedure.

 

Ok, now a comparison pic.

 

Love you all,

 

Lynne


 Me at 330 before surgery

Me August 24, 2011 on year after surgery

Me and Dr Chasen on August 24th for my one year check-up.

Wow!! What a difference a year (and almost 200 LBS!!!!) makes!

You look fantastic! You had such a rough start, but it sounds like you are doing much better now.

Congrats!
Lindsey

Lindsey,

I am doing fantastic, thanks.  I see you had Dr. Blaney.  I had Dr Chasen and my one year anniversary was his  last day.  He is moving back to Maui.  I am so heart sick, he will be missed.  The Dr. that is taking his place does not do the DS, so this will definitely be interesting.  Guess I will find out in 6 month...lol.

Thanks again,

Lynne

Oh no! I know Dr. Chasen has been a lifesaver for so many people around here. I didn't know he was leaving...although....Maui?? Can't say I blame him, but you are right, he will definitely be missed!

I'll keep my fingers crossed that whoever is coming in is knowledgable enough to provide adequate f/u care to all the DS patients. Luckily you have so many great DS vets on this site that can help you know exactly what to ask for if something pops up. 

Best of luck,

Lindsey

 

I told Dr Chasen that income tax has to pay for medical travel expenses... I just might show up on his door.step..lol.  I am going to give Dr Glass a chance, Dr Chasen picked him and is confident in his ability.  I asked if I was going to have to educate him... he said ...maybe, but already knew that I would...lol.

Good luck on your continued journey,

Lynne

Wow Lynne, look at you! You did fantastic. I can't believe you lost almost 200 pounds in one year. How on earth?!?! You should be very proud of all your wows and accomplishments.

Congrats to you!

Rolanda

Rolanda,

Thank you so much...,

Lynne

    Way to go girl! I am so proud of you!

  

Thanks LaShelle,

Good to hear from you,

Lynne

Congrats to you!  Did you attend Dr. Chasen Party.  I was so incredibly sad to see him go!  I love that man sooo much.  He is such a good person.  I am happy for you and Happy we got the best doctor around!