13 Months out.

I have been an active reader of the men's forum since about May of 2008.  Although I have commented a few times on someone messages, I don't think I have ever posted anything but comments on another message.
I just had my one-year follow-up my my Surgeon and I would like to share with you what has happened in the last year.

Highest weight    9/1/2008       412.5lbs.
Weight surgery day 10/1/08     402.5lbs

Weight on 10/29/2008               227.5 lbs.

I am 6' 3/12" tall and 62 years of age..

Official weight loss from the day of surgery is 175lbs.
Loss from highest weight is 185lbs..

Now a little about the changes.


Pants size then  56w  now 42w
Shirt size then 5XL  now XL
shoe size then 12 1/2 now 11

Sleep apnea..gone
Backaches.gone.
Blood pressure pre-surgery with two medications averaged around 155/90.
Blood pressure now with one low dose med averages 105/65

Leg cramps....gone
edema...gone
Other habits of a personal nature are better than they have been in 40 years.  I am no longer a recluse.  I enjoy going out to social functions.  I enjoy going to the hardware store again.  I went to Disneyland 7 months out and rode every ride in the place.  I just returned home from Italy and France and we walked everywhere.  I went to the to of the Duomo(SP) in Florence Italy.  460 Steps up.  I went to the to Of St. Peter's Basilica. 300+ steps up.  Before the surgery I couldn't walk out to the driveway to get in my truck without taking a break.  I could go on and on but suffice to say the decision to have the surgery was the best decision ever.  If I die tomorrow, the last 6 months have been worth it.  I have a life again.

Thanks to all who post here for the info, encouragement, and support.  It has made this journey much easier.

I am still losing slowly and would like to loose about another 20lbs.  I am still very concerned about losing control  and regaining weight.  I have lost over 100lbs at least 4 times in the last 35 years so it can come back fast.   The good news is I still feel uncomfortable when I eat the wrong things, eat too fast, don't chew enough or eat things that affect me negatively.  I don't throw up much anymore although I did a lot the first 6 months after surgery.  I will still throw up, however, if I see a picture of Barbara Streisand or have to listen to Neil Diamond singing Christmas songs.

Life is great! I am truly blessed.

Great to hear from you.  Another WLS success.  Congratulations !!!

For those of you on the fence about WLS

" If I die tomorrow, the last 6 months have been worth it.  I have a life again." 

Is all you need to hear.

Great.  These are the stories we want.  Walking and talking  is the greatest since WLS.  Especially in Roma.  Cant drive around there, so walk, walk, walk.  Thats a tuff walk up the steps of St Peters Bascilica . Great view when you get there  yes?  
Come back often

Very inspiring. Day by day I am also making progress and am eager to reach your stage.