Two years and holding

Hey Guys, Today is the two-year anniversary of my RNY surgery and I'm here to tell you life is great post-op. Here are some of the plusses:  + No more sleep apnea + No more high cholesterol + No more size 5XL shirts and 62" pants (now it's large shirts and 40" pants) + Lots more energy + Less swelling of the ankles and calves + Easier time walking, exercising and otherwise exerting myself + Still eat a wonderful variety of foods (just less of it at one sitting) Now, I still have high blood pressure and take several meds a day for it, but that's the only condition that still requires prescription meds. I take my vitamins and other supplements, but at least they aren't prescription.  When I first went to the Cleveland Center for Bariatric Surgery, I tipped their freight scales at 428 lbs. fully dressed. Allowing 3 lbs. for clothing, I figure my starting weight was about 425. Here are some of my losses:  412 = 2/17/2005 -- pre-admission testing 399 = 2/28/2005 -- hospital discharge (first time below 400 in years) 350 = 5/9/2005 300 = 8/16/2005 250 = 12/26/2005 (yes, the day after Christmas I actually LOST weight -- first time for everything, no?) 225 = 6/26/2006 Since June, I have averaged 224 lbs., but have gone up or down about 6-8 lbs. from that mark, most of which I attribute to fluid/solid retention vs. real weight change. My body seems to be telling me it's reached its natural equilibrium. By the government BMI charts, I'm still considered overweight, but some of that's probably just excess skin anyway (no plastics yet).  What's really cool is meeting people who never knew me as being morbidly obese. Their jaws drop when they hear my story or see pix of the old me. I used to be very secretive about my weight, but now will tell anyone who will listen. I even tell them my highest weight, which used to be such a sensitive subject for me.  Those of you who are pre-op or post-op newbies, stay focused. The liquid diet stage and the soft food stage pass quickly, but you've got your whole life ahead of you. There are so many good things lying in wait for you.  I'm just an average Joe who was blessed with a second shot. If I can do it, any of you guys can too. Good luck on your journeys, guys! Joe

Congrats Joe for the great sucess you have achieved this past two years.  I am now 15 months from my surgery date and I remember you being such an inspiration and support during my journey.   Dan

Thanks Dan!  I was inspired too by a lot of guys on this board, esp. Dx, Larry the Wad, Boner, Buckeye, George, Scott and ole Boss N'gagi (anybody heard from him lately?). That's the great thing about this board. You guys (us guys?) just keep payin' it forward.  Keep those jokes comin' Dan! Best,  Joe

Congrats, Joe! You're a real inspiration. That's a huge drop in weight. We're all going to probably need some inspiration to either hold our weights or stay healthy in the years to come. Glad to know we can support each other through the long haul.

Dave

Yep, it is 200 miles of capillaries/ one lb. of fat! :

http://www.earthsky.org/radioshows/48924/do-capillaries-rece de-with-receding-waistlines

Dave

Congratulations my friend - what a journey you've been on so far and the great thing about it, is that the best is yet to come!  Not only are you alive, but now you're truly "living" and taking full advantage of it.  You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned being blessed with a second shot.  So often it's too late and some never have the opportunity for the second shot - the "do over" so to speak.

Life is so short and many of us squandered away a great deal of precious time, but you made the decision that living life that way was no longer acceptable.  It takes a great deal of courage to do what you've done.  Continue to make the best of this new life.  I'm honored to know you and want to congratulate you on a job well done.

Keep the faith!

Cards Fan

Joe has - "STEPPED OFF THE SIDELINES AND IS IN THE GAME!"

 

 

Hey CF,  Yup, I'm truly living now. Before surgery, it was an effort to put on my socks in the morning. I couldn't dream of doing half the stuff I'm doing now.  How 'bout you Mike? You got everything sorted out with your routine? When we met in Dexington, you seemed to be having a few bad days.  Hope all is well.  Best regrards, Joe PS: Love your picture!

Happy Surgi-versary Joe!! "Our own Jolly Giant!" (for those who don’t know, Joe is like a ba-gillion feet tall!!! [Dam--I can paste the photo of Joe saving the Traffic cop's job....] Keep up the Great LIFE!!! Best Wishes- Dx

 

Hey Dx,  Last weekend I had to have some x-rays taken (non-WLS related) and the technician, who was all of about 5'2" and about 11 mos. preggers, sez to me "you sure are tall and skinny!" I laughed and said I hadn't gotten used to being called skinny, then I proceeded to tell her my story. She kept me in her x-ray room for 10 minutes talking...she couldn't believe it.  Best, Joe

Way to go Joe :thumpsup: Stay the course. Jay