9 Month Surgiversary
Today is my 9 Month Surgiversary (RNY 4/19/2010). The following is a copy of an email I sent to my Doctors and members of the team who played a key role in my success. I share it to THANK them and encourage others who have joined me on this wild journey, as well as those who may be considering WLS...
Dr. Kemmeter, Dr Macholan, Nettie, and Cathy, I hope and pray this finds you all well. This note comes to THANK each of you for the part you have played in my return to health and wellness. Today, 1/19/2011, is my 9 month Surgi-versary (RNY on 4/19/2010). Last year at this time, I was at my highest weight ever. According to the scales at Dr. Macholan's office, I was at 287. I actually believe I was at a higher weight over the holidays, but I have used 287 as my official "highest" weight. This morning, after my workout that included a 4 mile run (completed in 40:11) my scales put me at 192 pounds! That is a 95 pound loss! My wife would actually be a little upset at the 192 pounds, as I've promised her I won't lose too much and now work to stay at 195 pounds. This means I can have a few more calories at lunch today! Dr. Macholan, it was at that visit to your office last January, and the very frank discussion we had, that motivated me to do something about my weight and resulting poor health. At that visit, my diabetes was out of control and we talked about my going on medication. While you may not have said the exact words, I have credited you with telling me that if I did not do something, I would die. Thank you for that "kick" in the pants. I needed it! Nettie, a BIG thanks to you for working to get my surgery scheduled in April. I honestly believe that had I delayed or waited until the fall, I may not have gone through with it. I am so glad I did! I actively participate in the ObestityHelp.com Men's Forum and constantly encourage those who are considering weight loss surgery to just "do it". My only regret in all this, is that I did not have my surgery sooner. Cathy, the care you and the team at St. Mary's provided was second to none! I hope you know how much I appreciate you and want to support the program at St. Mary's. Please let me know how and when I can help. If you ever want me to come to one of the seminars and share my story, I would be happy to. Dr. Kemmeter, what can I say? THANK YOU! I thank God for you, the skills He has blessed you with, and the care and compassion you provide. I remember you praying with my wife and me just prior to my going into surgery. That set us both at such peace. The entire experience, pre-op, surgery and stay, and post-op recovery was really a blessing! I also sincerely appreciate the support of your Team at Grand Health Partners. Please pass my thanks to Andy, who has been a real help and encouragement as I moved from being a true couch potato to someone who exercises for at least an hour six days a week. Again, THANK YOU! Beside the weight loss, my diabetes is gone, my sleep apnea is gone, my blood pressure is under control. I am healthier now than I have been in nearly 30 years. I reached my weight loss goal of 195 pounds on 12/7/2010. Yes, a day that will live in infamy! A great way for me to remember it. I am now working to maintain at/around that 195 mark. When I reached that 195 pound goal, I decided I needed a "new" goal for 2011. As I had began running and working out daily as part of my wellness routine, I have set my goal for 2011 to run the Grand Rapids Marathon in October. I am training first for the River Bank 25K in May. I have never felt better! If there is anything I can do to encourage each of you or to help someone else who may be battling obesity and considering weight loss surgery, please let me know. So, once again, to each of you who have played a key part in my road and return to health and wellness, THANK YOU and God Bless you! Best regards, Michael
Dr. Kemmeter, Dr Macholan, Nettie, and Cathy, I hope and pray this finds you all well. This note comes to THANK each of you for the part you have played in my return to health and wellness. Today, 1/19/2011, is my 9 month Surgi-versary (RNY on 4/19/2010). Last year at this time, I was at my highest weight ever. According to the scales at Dr. Macholan's office, I was at 287. I actually believe I was at a higher weight over the holidays, but I have used 287 as my official "highest" weight. This morning, after my workout that included a 4 mile run (completed in 40:11) my scales put me at 192 pounds! That is a 95 pound loss! My wife would actually be a little upset at the 192 pounds, as I've promised her I won't lose too much and now work to stay at 195 pounds. This means I can have a few more calories at lunch today! Dr. Macholan, it was at that visit to your office last January, and the very frank discussion we had, that motivated me to do something about my weight and resulting poor health. At that visit, my diabetes was out of control and we talked about my going on medication. While you may not have said the exact words, I have credited you with telling me that if I did not do something, I would die. Thank you for that "kick" in the pants. I needed it! Nettie, a BIG thanks to you for working to get my surgery scheduled in April. I honestly believe that had I delayed or waited until the fall, I may not have gone through with it. I am so glad I did! I actively participate in the ObestityHelp.com Men's Forum and constantly encourage those who are considering weight loss surgery to just "do it". My only regret in all this, is that I did not have my surgery sooner. Cathy, the care you and the team at St. Mary's provided was second to none! I hope you know how much I appreciate you and want to support the program at St. Mary's. Please let me know how and when I can help. If you ever want me to come to one of the seminars and share my story, I would be happy to. Dr. Kemmeter, what can I say? THANK YOU! I thank God for you, the skills He has blessed you with, and the care and compassion you provide. I remember you praying with my wife and me just prior to my going into surgery. That set us both at such peace. The entire experience, pre-op, surgery and stay, and post-op recovery was really a blessing! I also sincerely appreciate the support of your Team at Grand Health Partners. Please pass my thanks to Andy, who has been a real help and encouragement as I moved from being a true couch potato to someone who exercises for at least an hour six days a week. Again, THANK YOU! Beside the weight loss, my diabetes is gone, my sleep apnea is gone, my blood pressure is under control. I am healthier now than I have been in nearly 30 years. I reached my weight loss goal of 195 pounds on 12/7/2010. Yes, a day that will live in infamy! A great way for me to remember it. I am now working to maintain at/around that 195 mark. When I reached that 195 pound goal, I decided I needed a "new" goal for 2011. As I had began running and working out daily as part of my wellness routine, I have set my goal for 2011 to run the Grand Rapids Marathon in October. I am training first for the River Bank 25K in May. I have never felt better! If there is anything I can do to encourage each of you or to help someone else who may be battling obesity and considering weight loss surgery, please let me know. So, once again, to each of you who have played a key part in my road and return to health and wellness, THANK YOU and God Bless you! Best regards, Michael
Eating junk food and CRAP is not a reward...it's a punishment...
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
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
Awesome letter to your Surgeon and his team. I am not sure how many people send letters like this to their teams but I am sure that they get a great deal of pleasure and pride from knowing that what they do is not taken for granted and people actually do appreciate what they have been giving and do make life changes to not waste the chance they have been giving.
I have planned to write not 1 but 2 such emails when I hit goal.
Paul C.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
Mike, that was a beautiful letter, and I can tell it came from the heart. Your medical team did their part very well, but you also did your part to ensure your success. As I've said before, you inspire me to stick with the program and to keep pushing for success. And that picture with your grandkid shows just exactly how much more you're getting out of life these days. What a cute kid. I know he's a real blessing in your life, and you in his. Wishing you continued success and happiness!
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