My birthday - 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:

 

Happy Birthday!  Funny thing...  I was reading a medical history of a man described as "elderly" and he was 58!  Maybe I should share your story with that myopic doctor and show him what a vibrant man you are.  No doubt you will be having a ball 20 years from now with all the health you have obtained.  Thanks for sharing not only this wonderful WOW, but for all your contributions to this forum. 

Happy Birthday Bob!
Thanks for allowing us to tag along on your journey.....
C'ya (the younger better looking) Bob BwaHahaha!!!!!! 

Thanks Bob, especially  for going ahead of me by a month and giving me insight and tips from your experiences. And for being my personal mentor and mostly, my good friend. I appreciate you more than I can say.

Now as for the younger part, I'll give ya that one, but the better looking - NOT!!!     BwaHahahahahahaha!!!!!

Thanks k9. You mean I am only 2 years from "elderly"?  Shee****hink of elderly as someone in their 70's or so . . . and if I make it to 70, elderly will then be 80!  Hehehe!!

Happy Birthday Bama! 

You're one of the best things to ever ride out of Alabama.  Keep it up brother, you are an INSPIRATION with a capital I !!!!!!!!!

Thanks Scott! You've been a great inspiration to me and several others here!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a great post, thank you and I do hope your birthday is celebrated BIGGER than you are now!!  You deserve a HUGE birthday bash!!

HUGS

Thanks Amy! Hope you're feeling better and getting well.

Hey Bob, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  We're glad you were around THEN but also glad you are here NOW!  And might I add, you are looking very handsome.  It has been fun watching you grow, errr not in size, LOL...  but on your wls journey...  maybe I should put it this way:  "it's been fun watching you shrink".  How's that?The incredible shrinking man!