7 month Surgiversary - at my Goal!
This past week, I slipped below 200 lbs for the first time in nearly 30 years! When I started on this journey, I set a goal of 195 lbs. Today I am at 198, so given a routine flux of about 5 lbs +/-, I am where I want to be weight wise. I want to work to stay under 200. Could I lose some more, yea according to the charts, but if I did not lose another ounce I would be very satisfied to stay at this weight the rest of my hopefully long life.
My diabetes is cured. My sleep apnea is cured. I am off a diuretic I had been on for over 20 years and my blood pressure medication dose has been cut in half. I recently ran a 5K in under 30 minutes. I get up every weekday (Monday – Friday) morning go to the gym and workout for an hour, doing 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength building. My shirt size has dropped from a XXXL or XXL to an L or M. My pants are down from a 50 inch waist to 32-34, depending on the cut.
At 53 years old, I now am in the best physical shape I’ve been in since I was discharged from the Navy in 1979. I feel GREAT! I am told I look great! And, I am oh so thankful I was able to have RNY surgery on April 19, 2010.
My WLS is one of the TOP 5 things I’ve done in my life…#1 – my acceptance of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, #2 – getting married to my beautiful wife of 30 years, #3 - the births of my sons, #4 - the birth of my Grandson, #5 – my RNY surgery. Thanks to that surgery and my resulting new, fit lifestyle, I hope to be around for a lot of years to enjoy 1-4! My only wish is that I would have had the surgery years ago.
If you are on this site, reading this, and thinking about having WLS, especially the RNY, I would encourage you to go for it! Do your research. Meet with a reputable surgeon. If you happen to live in Western Michigan or can get to Grand Rapids, I highly recommend Dr Paul Kemmeter with Grand Health Partners. In my book, he is the best! I also know, and HIGHLY recommend Dr Phillip Shauer with the Cleveland Clinic. A very close friend of mine thinks Dr Shauer is the best in the country, and based on the number of WLS he has done and his reputation, he is.
I also sincerely appreciate all the support, advice, and encouragement I get from everyone on the Men’s Forum of Obesity Help. Reading other’s experiences, victories, progress, and problems, has really been an inspiration for me. Thank you!
it's a DEATH sentence...Reward yourself with Good Health!
Highest Weight: 287 Lbs-January 2010; Reached Goal 195 Lbs - Dec 2010
Total Lost: 92 Lbs; Completed FULL MARATHON (26.2 Miles) 10-16-2011
