2 year update

I'm reaching my 2 year point and wanted to get back on to update everyone. When I was pre-op and early post-op, I would get on often to learn as much as possible. I didn't comment much, but most of my questions were asked by others and it was comforting to know that there were people that experienced it before me. Hopefully my story will encourage others that are in the toughest early stages.

I started at 310 and constantly gaining. I had foot pain all the time due to plantar fasciitis and just felt a lot older than I should have at 30. Now I weigh 138. That's down 172 pounds. It is so much more than I ever dreamed. I went from a size 24-26 to a 2. I nearly immediately has no more foot pain, and have had very little complications. I'm now busy living life. I went to Disney last week with a friend and walked for 5 days without getting tired. I could have never done that at 310 lbs.

I had issues attaching pics to this message, but I put them in my profile if you want to see.

It has changed me more than just physically. I live my life with confidence and don't limit myself as I did before. I am considering changing careers. I've always been interested in nutrition and health, but knew people wouldn't listen to a person with a weight problem. I love teaching high school biology, but I feel that I now want to help others through this weight loss journey.  If anyone knows of jobs, certifications, or degrees in these areas I would be interested.

Those of you early out, follow your doctor's directions and enjoy the journey. You will be amazed at how much you change. Good Luck!!!

Kelly

Congratulations on your success Kelly!

Thank you for posting! I'm at the beginning of my journey and haven't had surgery yet.  We have a lot of similarities (age, weight, etc).  I know everyone is different and has different outcomes but its nice to hear from someone similar.

Happy surgiversary! 

First of all.  YEAH!!    And as I have said before are you reading my mail???  I just was talking to my sister last week and told her how I cannot even comprehend walking any more.  I barely walk around my home and have not been in my basement due to  the stairs for 10+ years. Walking such a complex issue.  You give me hope and a plan as I await my surgery on 3/26/13.  The issues of gas and poo seem inconsequential when the big picture is health and WALKING again!  Yea h again for you! Maja in St Louis, MO

Your very inspiring! Thanks for sharing your story. My surgery is on the 19th of March. I'm excited- i want to be on the losing side of the surgery and cant wait for it!

Just  and FYI about your question for changing careers. My daughter got her degree in health and wellness then went back and did an online program where she received her certification as a health coach. she loved the schooling she received as it taught her a lot about  weight loss and how find balance in your life.(I know theres more to it than just that) She has lost 50 lbs and looks great and is now coaching several people in the area of weight loss. She will be moving soon then will be looking for a job in her area of expertise. 

Good luck and again congragulations on your great weight loss.

Sharon

Hi there,

What a great story thank you for posting. How about becoming a Nutritionist that understands DS what is does to the body and how to eat to stay healthy. Current RN just do not know how to advise us.

Whit

Im really happy for you, and your success.  Im getting ready to have this surgery.  Im 370, and Im going on a liquid diet for six weeks, to try to shrink my liver, then I will be having the surgery.  Understandably Im a little nervous about it.  Could you explain a little bit about the complications that you had?  I hope they were minor.  I am self pay and I will be having my surgery with Dr. Aceves, which is one of the top bariatric surgeons in mexico, but I am nervous about things that might come up later after I leave mexico.  With him you do get to stay six days in the hospital afterward, whitch is nice.  I even thought about hanging around for another week or so, just to make sure everything is ok.  I would apreciate any advice you could give......thanks

I really haven't had many complication. I was really careful to follow my doctor's directions about protein, vitamins and diet. He monitored my blood work carefully and adjusted to what I needed. I have to take prescription level vitamin D, but everything else has been fine with the amounts he recommends to everyone. My liver enzymes where high after surgery for a while but they leveled back out. I've had increased blood pressure, but I don't think that has anything to do with surgery. Several members of my family (none with weight issues) started having BP issues at my age. It would be a lot worse if I was still over weight with high BP.

Your bathroom habits will change. The amount and smell of you waste will greatly increase. I keep room spray in my purse, and chose more discrete restrooms. I haven't ever had issues making it to the restroom in time. I can't just leave my students alone and was worried that gas would be a problem at school, but it hasn't. I tended to have gas in the evenings. I find I can drink a small glass of milk, but 2 will make me really sick.

I know several people on this site have had surgery in Mexico, but the follow-up care that my doctor offers really helped my success. I enjoyed the group follow-up appointments where we could ask both the doctor and other patients questions. My family doctor does not do weight loss surgery follow up and prefers the surgeon monitor my blood work, so check and make sure you have a doctor close to home that will help you monitor things. Good Luck!