Birthday today - so what??

I celebrated my 56^th birthday today.  So what . . . big deal, huh?  Well yeah, it really is because two years ago I didn’t think I would make it to this day.  Neither did my cardiologist or PCP.  I had 5 heart attacks the first week of January 2003 and had to have a pacemaker and stent. I was taking 13 medications a day as a result of that.  My weight just kept increasing by the week.  As the weight increased my health decreased two-fold.  In fact, the way my health was going, they told me that WLS was the only option they knew of left for me to have a chance to survive more than another year or so.  I weighed 397 lbs. and had developed all kinds of health problems - congestive heart failure, severe edema of the feet and legs, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, acid reflux and a lot of other problems related to the weight gain.  I was not living life, I was just existing – just breathing and taking up space.  Each day became harder to get through than the last one was.  I felt absolutely miserable – both physically and mentally.

Well, it’s been 14 ½ months since I had my RNY surgery and I have lost 215 pounds total. I now weigh 182 pounds. The congestive heart failure, severe edema of the feet and legs, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, acid reflux and everything else is GONE!  No more daily medications.  No more bi-pap machine to sleep at night.  I can exercise – walk, weight train, ride a bike, play ball with the grandkids, mow the lawn – whatever I choose or want to do!

I can’t begin to tell you how much the quality of my life has improved since I had my surgery.  Every aspect is better now – physically, mentally, socially – everything.

For those who are considering WLS, I can’t and won’t tell you what you should do. It’s a personal decision and one that only you can make.  But I will say - Do your homework – read, research, ask questions and educate yourself about WLS.  Talk to your physician, talk to those who have had WLS, attend a seminar or two.  Weigh the options and the risks involved. Then, decide what is best for you. Good luck to you, whatever you choose.

For me, having RNY was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I would take the risks and do it all again tomorrow.

Here's a couple of pics of me then and now - there's more on my profile:

Now:


Then:

Bob,
     Happy birthday buddy! We both may not have lived to see this day if it weren't for WLS. Congrats on turning 56. Many happy returns.
Nick

 Happy Birthday, Bob!!

In the morning may your Mrs. say the dirtiest line ever used on broadcast television back in the day, "...Ward, wern't you a little rough on the Beaver last night?"

Thanks fellas. You guys are my support group. It's great to be able to share things with other guys who understand what the WLS journey is all about.  Thanks for being here!

Happy Birthday Bob!  You're an inspiration to us all. 
Duane

Happy B-day.  I know what you're saying.  Cant beat the beaver line.  Hell I  just now stopped laughing. Its been awhile since I chased the wild beaver or even the tamned one .  Hope u have many more B-days and you look great in the pic
Post this posting ALL OVER . Great inspiration
Good luck

Happy Birthday Bob.  Damn now that's change..

i'm new around here, but I just had to say that you are truly an inspiration!  Happy Bday!

Happy Birthday, and thanks for including the current picture. Looks like you're doing a hell of a lot more than just breathing and taking up space these days. You look great.

Let me ask you a question though, as we're roughly at the same point in our journeys. What is the toughest bad habit from the old days for you to deal with now. I'll admit that mine is the urge to eat out of boredom when I'm not really hungry. I thought during the first 10 months or so post-op that I had put that one behind me, but it's come back with a vengeance. What say you?

Thanks Fish. I haven't really had much of a problem with anything other than I eat too fast most of the time and sometimes pay the price with the "feel like I might puke" feeling. That always reminds me to slow it down.  And I sometimes sip some unsweet tea or water with my meal. But thankfully I've gained pretty good control of eating only when I am really hungry, and of stopping when I get the first sensation of fullness.