Subject: Re: Another 27 lbs. gone.....

Subject: Re: Another 27 lbs. gone..... Hi Family, I want to share with all of you that another 27 lbs are gone, for a total of 127 lbs. since my surgery on May 17, 2005. The pounds are coming off a bit slower now, but they are still coming off! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel such gratitude for this tool of WLS. I have never been sorry that I had this surgery, I only regret that I didn't do it sooner. I have gone from just existing to beginning to live again. I have more to lose to reach my goal, but I'm determined to do it, one day at a time. Along with learning to eat healthier, I also am learning that WLS is a "Marvelous Tool" in assisting me to shed the pounds. It, however is "NOT" an EASY WAY OUT. I still have the responsibility of learning how to eat healthier and to be aware of everything that I choose to put into my mouth. I also have the responsibility to follow-up with my surgeon and follow the post-op instructions given to me by him. I guess what I am saying is that just because I had the surgery, does not mean that the "weight loss fairy" waves her magic wand and poof, the ponds are gone. I learned this before my surgery however, now I am experiencing the reality of doing my part. I am so grateful that Dr. Alexander Abkin gave me another chance to live life. I am also grateful that I have all of you on this board who have supported me, both pre-op and post-op. I could never do this without you my friends, each and every one of you who shared your experiences, strength and hope with me and who loved me until I could begin to love myself. I want to also give a very special thank you to the compassionate, friendly and professional staff in Dr. Abkin's Florham Park, N.J. office, who helped to make a stressful time so much easier...They are the best!!!! Thanks again, and know that I hope that I will be able to give back the support and love that was so generously and freely given to me. Big Hugs, Fran P. (In Jersey)

Congratulations Fran! I will be seeing Dr Abkin on April 6th for my 6 month follow-up and I hope he is as happy with my progress as I am. He's such a great doctor and I'm so grateful for my wls and the second chance it's given me. Carol

Carol, Thanks for your reply and congratulations on your progress. I'm sure that Dr. Abkin will be happy. Isn't he just the BEST???? He was willing to do my surgery, even though I was a high risk patient. He had me at hello, and as I got to know him my respect for him and his knowledge, talent, compassion and professionalism have increased even more. He never ceases to amaze me for as busy as he is, he has never made me feel rushed and has always taken the time to answer questions etc. He has a calming way about him and the morning I went into surgery, I was quite calm and peaceful, knowing that I had the very BEST in this field. Carol, let me know how you make out on April 6th and keep up the good work... Hugs, Fran

Dear Fran, I am a member of Obesity Help and I have been thinking about the WLS..have even attended Dr. Abkin's Orientation...months ago. Then I went to another surgeon locally..about the LapBand. I finally have my appt. with Dr. Abkin...to discuss my individual medical questions, and I believe that I will probably talk to the Dr. about what he thinks would be best for me. I have MS also...have had it for 26 years, and I'm very blessed to still be ambulatory. I'm just not willing to lose my status with the MS at this moment, because I want to get bariatric surgery. My neurologist told me to be an adult and do what I want to do! Fran I thank you so, for being so honest about even an RNY being a TOOL for further weight loss. I have to remember that I still will have to make the food decisions, and the followup decisions etc. How honest, and how ansolutely refreshing to hear a patient who had WLS..TELL THE TRUTH. I'm sure ONE DAY AT A TIME, is something I will incorporate into my being. I'm still trying. I feel positive that you will continue with your weight loss and your reality perspective. Lisa K.

Lisa, Thanks for your reply, I try to be as honest as I possibly can in reference to this surgery. Dr. Abkin was right up front with me pre-op and continues to be, post-op for which I'm very grateful. I try to follow his instructions but I am by no means perfect. I have made some mistakes like eating to fast, not chewing well enough, and eating one mouthful too much, until I learned what full meant to my new stomach. There were times that I certainly made my new "pouchy" very "grouchy". For me, it truly is learning to do things quite differently when it comes to food and eating. I always need to remember that I had surgery on my stomach not my head. I sure do need to now do my part in conjunction with this new "TOOL" that I have been given. I have severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, degenerative back disease, rotator cuff injury and a knee that will need to be replaced. So in some way I can identify with your MS. Since the 127 pounds are gone, it has been a bit easier on the knees and back. The fibromyalgia is still a problem and I am in pain daily, but my attitude is better and when I physically can, on a good day, I enjoy and use that day. I honestly believe that had I not had WLS I may have at the best been in a wheelchair and at the worse I may not be here enjoying my new, healthier lifestyle. Lisa, I'm sure you already know, WLS is a big descision, that only you can make. Whatever you decide to do, after meeting with Dr. Abkin, I am here for you if you need to talk. Be well and please keep me posted if you can. Good luck, Fran

Again, Fran..thanks for your honest reply and I'll keep in touch. Lisa

Your most welcome Lisa...Keep on keepin' on. Hugs, Fran

Hi Fran! Congratulations on your weight loss, and your ongoing success! I found your post very upbeat and encouraging. I am 15 months or so out, and I have lost 210 pounds, and your absolutely right in your assessment of what the surgery is, and what it is not. It is so much a tool, and not a quick fix. I too have had grouchy pouchy syndrome a few times, but its all about how determined you are to change your life. I view the surgery as the first step, but the ongoing day by day is and will continue to be the crucial part. We each learn from each other, in what to do, and what to avoid : ) How close are you to ocean county? Mid jersey? I am a transplanted oregonian/who lived in Iowa fer 6 years/ till I met a beautiful Jersey girl on the Obesity Help singles board last year/ moved to Jackson off route 195 and got married. We would love to have you come to our Toms River or Lakewood NJ support meetings if you are anywhere close, or even if you are in the area sometime. We have a couple of really great support group meetings in our area, you sound like an awesome lady, my hat is off to you for your attitude, upbeat demeanor and your overall encouraging spirit : ) Fran, I want to encourage YOU this day, I smiled reading your post and I am pleased to meet you. I am blessed in that I married a awesome lady I met here on the boards who is 9 months further out than I am... eating and support is super easy with a RNY spouse : )) As you can, post again, tell us more about your journey, and share any tips you may have for each stage. As I have learned, there is a great number of Lurkers... folks *****ad for information but are too shy to post. With upbeat and sunny posts such as yours, more people are likely to post and to introduce themselves (or so thats my redneck theory.. yep) Hang in there, and have a super day eh? God bless hugs Timmy Ray

Hey Timmy, Thanks for your congrats on my loss and a BIG CONGRATS to you for shedding 210 pounds. I live in Flanders, NJ near Chester and Morristown, so it's quite a trip to travel to your area right now. I have arthritis, fibromyalgia and a rotator cuff injury with a frozen shoulder (Shoulder needs surgery). In addition to this, I have very bad knees, one is bone on bone and will eventually need a knee replacement. The pain is horrible and long trips are unbearable. I refuse to give in to these ailments though, so I try to walk, and do the exercise that aren't too painful. Timmy, I am alive again!!!! What a gift...As more of the weight comes off I pray that the pain is somewhat lessened too. Boy, what damage I did to my body all these years, being trapped in fat takes it's toll on the ole' bod and on the head too, huh? Well, the positive thing is that I am doing something about the fat now. I am 62 years old, I had WLS when I was 61, May 17, 2005. This tells you how many years I was a prisoner in in Fat City. My only regret is that I didn't have WLS sooner, but that's water over the dam and I am determined to, one day at a time, free this body to continue to live again, to join others who go outside, to stores, to plays, to movies, to visit friends etc. I already can sit in chairs with arm rests, my car seat now needs to be moved closer to the steering wheel and the seat belts fit with much room to spare. I can cross my legs now and I can also put on my own sneakers and tie them too!!!! I can sit in a booth in a restaurant and there is room between me and the table. These accomplishments may not seem big to the average size person, but to me there are the greatest!!!!! Timmy, keep up the good work and conrats to your Sandy for her anniversary. I am going to say goodnight for now as my shoulder and arm are beginning to let me know that they're tired and in pain. Thanks for listening, I am so grateful and blessed to have friends like you and everyone else on this board. Hugs and God Bless, ~Fran