two year surgi-verserey

Two years ago yesterday, June 14^th 2006, I went under the knife of Dr. Ara Keshishian at Central Valley Bariatrics in Delano, California, where he performed a laproscopic DS procedure on me.

Going into surgery I weighed 365lbs., 5’ 11” tall. I had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, severe joint pain and I was developing diabetes, not to mention the fact that I had a ****ty disposition, was probably depressed and was suffering from low self-esteem, etc.

Today I’m a healthy happy 42-year-old new father and husband. I have an awesome wife and a beautiful. I’m still 5’11” tall but now weigh 179 lbs. I no longer suffer from any of the above-mentioned medical problems and my emotional state is the best I can ever remember it being.

Could I have achieved this without WLS? Probably not. Now, I don’t want anybody reading this to think that WLS is a miracle cure, ‘cause it aint. But it is, I believe, a miracle tool that when used properly can effect huge change in ones life; it may even save your life.

Having WLS “forced” me to make changes and embrace things I never would have pre-op, including going to support group meetings, where I met my beautiful wife Martina. She had an RNY procedure, and even though we’ve had two different surgeries, the pros and cons of which have been hotly and emotionally debated on these boards (my surgery can beat up your surgery !!), the fact is, without one another’s support, understanding and insight, we wouldn’t be as successful with our WLS tools as we’ve been. Those of us who have been lucky enough to have had our WLS have so much to offer one another, both pre-ops as well as post-ops. It doesn’t matter if you you’re an RNY’r, DS’r or if you’re banded, because the issues that got us here are so much more similar than our chosen procedures.

Anywho, I’ve posted a couple comparison pre / post pics to my profile if you care to take a look. I hope your all doing well, if you’re pre-op and reading this, or post-op, feel free to drop a line whenever ya like, and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

 

Tony

Happy Surgiversery! The pics tell a great story. Bet you never expected to lose weight, get healthier and a wife and child along with surgery. Thanks for letting us in on the good news.

TONY!!! Happy 2 years to you, and thank you for sharing,,, you are truly a success, and inspiration...and thank you especially for the wonderful words that we are all in this together... and great new ink... Russ

Yo Tony! Great to hear you are doing Great. Life is meant to be Lived, not Endured. And it sounds like you are living it Out Loud! Keep it Up! Best Wishes- Dx

Dx !!!  You are one of the cornerstones of this community. I often wonder if folks like you know how important you are to to those of us wandering down the WLS trail.  You answered my questions, listened to my concerns and offered lots of encouragement. I am living out loud, and loving it !!! I hope all is well with you and the people in your life, and I wish you peace, Tony

That's awesome Tony! Very impressive. And congrats on the fam too!!

I looked at your before and after pictures and I'm really impressed.  I generally don't appreciate tatoos, but I must say they look much better on your new thin body.  And, that one on your chest is wild.

Congrats, Tony!!!! Fantastic success following a lot of hard work.   Rich