Here's my brief reflection on my journey from obesity to fitness over seven years. I went from weighing 317 pounds in 2004, down to weighing 175 pounds in the first year and a half after surgery. I would lose 30 pounds a month effortlessly. It was great to get my weight down and to like how I felt and who I saw in the mirror. The weight loss benefits go without saying since they're obvious to anyone who has struggled with obesity. However, all did not go well.

I had the temporary hair loss, my teeth have decayed badly, I get bad gas, I almost died from a Petersen's hernia bowel obstruction, my mood went up and down (perhaps from vitamin B12 deficiency), & my 20 year marriage broke up two years after my spouse had her RNY surgery. I guess I sort of switched out one set of problems for another set. Do I regret the surgery?

Not at all. I knew obesity was slowly killing me and part of the surgical solution to obesity is the potential negative side effects. All you guys starting on your WLS journey, take comfort in your decision for better health and be aware of the potential negative side effects. All those people who are years post op, congratulations and I hope this post raises awareness of side effects.

Good Luck & God Bless!!
Dave
317/165

A girl I met through support group Northshore Medical Center had Mass Health and her surgery was approved like in 24 hours! NSMC is great and they totally push to get you approved fast.

Lowell, MA OAC Walk From Obesity!


All levels of physical fitness can do this walk.  Join us!  
You can create a TEAM, JOIN a TEAM or come in SUPPORT!    

http://walkfromobesity.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=525&destination=E

Online registration is only $25
On-site registration will be $35
Children under the age of 12 are FREE
All registrations include a Walk from Obesity t-shirt

Walk Location: 
Sampas Pavilion - Heritage State Park
Pawtucket Blvd.
Lowell, MA

On-site Registration Will Open At: 9:00 AM

Walk Will Begin At: 10:00 AM, finish by 11:00 AM

Walk Information: The Walk is a 2 mile flat course, along the scenic Merrimack River in Lowell, MA. Raffles and prizes for participants. More to come!

Walkers: You may seek pledges using the online tools after registration. To collect pledges in person, a printable pledge form is available here.

Event Sponsors: Please contact Lisa Luz or Christine LaBrecque directly for local Walk sponsorship information and opportunities.

Presented By: Lowell General Hospital; Michael Jiser, MD; Roy Shen, MD; Rebecca Shore, MD; Nari Sabeti, MD

 

 

For more information or to volunteer your services for the Walk, please contact:

 

Lisa Luz
[email protected]
617-499-6769
Weight Management Center
725 Concord Avenue, Suite 5100
Cambridge, MA 02138

Christine LaBrecque
[email protected]
978-788-7205

http://walkfromobesity.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=d onorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=525&destination=E

 

I'm having my surgery at Umass Worcester. I'm waiting to finish a program for my insurance company and then I can meet with the surgeon. I went to the informational meeting in Feburary and will hopefully talk to the surgeon in October. Good luck with your journey!

 In Massachusetts?   Why, Maryellen?