Today is my 2 Year WLS Anniversary

Dear Friends, I am sorry that I have not been posting much lately, but my new life and ministry has gotten me away sitting at the computer all day.  I do try and read your post every few days.   For those who do not already know my story I will recap my past two years.  Prior to the day of my surgery two years ago today, I weighed 475 pounds and was in a power wheel chair.  I was an out of control diabetic taking 4 shots of insulin a day (over 250 units) plus 3 diabetic pills; I was in constant pain, took over 24 prescription drugs for blood pressure, heart problems, cholesterol, etc..  Basically my life was coming to a quick close.   Thank God that I heard about WLS.  I was 62 years old at the time which was the cut off age for WLS.  I did some research and lots of prayer to find the right surgeon to perform my surgery and decided on Dr Brenda Cacucci at St Vincent’s in Carmel .  I knew that I was at extremely high risk for surviving the surgery with all my medical problems, but I also knew that God was going to see me thru this so I could serve Him.  So about this time of day two years ago I checked into the hospital with a great peace that all would go well.  IT DID!!!!! So here it is 2 years later and 270 lbs weight loss and feeling better physically and mentally than I did at age 40.  I have been able to walk and Ann and I are both Chaplains at St Vincent’s - St Joseph's Hospital here in Kokomo; we visit Nursing Homes; I work with the Youth Detention Center here in Kokomo and do supply pastoral work in Churches in our District.  For the first time in over 5 years I was able this past week to repaint our bedroom (yes I can now get up and down on a ladder) and have two more rooms to do this month.  I can now do things for Ann instead of her doing everything around the house.  Has my life changed, YOU BET IT HAS. I now take 12 units of insulin at bedtime (Lantus) and 3 prescription meds for sleep and prevention of stress.  I am getting ready to head to Marion for my 6 months check up with the

Internal Medicine Dr.

and expect that I will be taken off the insulin.  He told me the last check up I had that when I got down to 210 lbs I would probably not need the insulin.  I am now down to 205 lbs.   Instead of those 6X shirts I now wear mediums, instead of a 70" waist I am now a 42.   I proudly share my story with anyone who will listen.  I do not recommend anyone have this surgery but rather tell them it is something they may want to look into.  It is a personal decision that they have to make and it is not the easy way to loose weight, it takes a lot of work and dedication.  I do tell those who are extremely obese not to put off doing something until it is too late.  Two ladies I have known this past year died  (Mary Brown age 35 and my dear friend Missy Smith here in Kokomo ) who left it to long.  They did not die from WLS; there hearts gave out due to the weight they carried around the past few years.   So this is my story and thank God that my life has changed.  I pray that each of you who are considering WLS or have had surgery will have your lives changed. Your Friend in Christ Dan

 

Dan~  Congrats on your weight loss road trip!  You and your wife are truly disciples of God through your ministries and caring hearts! May God continue to bless you.

Such an amazing story Dan.  Congrats on your weight loss.

Jenny

Congratulations Dan on two years!!  That is wonderful!  Thank you also for sharing your WLS story.  I currently weigh around 475 pounds and will be having surgery with Dr. Cacucci on December 18th.  I look forward to the day that I too can tell my two year anniversary story. Thank you for the uplifting and motivating story!

Dan,

Thank you for sharing your story and congrats on your 2 yr anniversary!

Sherri

Dan, Happy 2 Year WLS Anniversary.  It was good to hear from you.  Look forward to seeing you and Ann again soon.  Give her our best.  Take care. Floyd

Hi Papa Dan,

    What an amazing job God has done in you life- to turn it around from illness to health and abilities you never thought you'd have the strength to do! I praise Him for you every day, and thank you for sharing your story to all those who are interested in the surgery. It isn't about us just getting thin- is it?? I know Ann is feeling blessed to have her hubby  back, & able to do all those "little things" and more now.She has been such a great support to you and us and I appreciate her,too. Continued health and  blessings for the coming year/years ahead!! (((hugs))) Ellen

Dan....you are such an inspiration to us all.  HAPPY RE-BITHDAY!!!!!!!!!!

Amen: Praise God for giving the surgeons the talent to perform these operations.

It is a hard way to go but if treated correctly does give you a tool to make it.  I am 7 months out and started at 341 lbs and now weigh 196.  I still have aches and pains but will remain active in order to keep on the narrow path.  God has given me a second chance and now is the time to be obedient.  I give Him the glory every chance I get.  Prayer is always the first answer to any journey.   Psalm 142:7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. TGBTG

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Dan, You made the decision to live and do good things.  That makes you special in my book!  Happy anniversary.