Question:
Just an update

Hi, I don't post often but wanted to tell everyone this is my one year anniversary. One year ago, I changed my whole life. At my highest weight I was 389#. When a friend let me know about her surgery, I was hopeful but leery. I still decided to check it out and find out more about it. After all of my research ( a lot done right here ) I decided on open R N Y with Dr. Cooney Hershey PA. I was required to lose 10% of my weight at the time (312#) and see a psychiatrist. I also saw a dietician. I accomplished al of this and scheduled my surgery. I really had an easy time for approval with the help of my PCP's admin. She gathered all of my files on previous tries and health issues, forwarded a copy to my surgeon and insurance. I think that is what helped me through the system without much of a fight. My surgery went smoothly and recovery did also. I don't dump, rarely vomit ( only if I overdue it) and have been relatively healthy since then. I have had 1 cold, my sleep apnea, hiatal hernia, and IBS is gone. I still have degenerative joint disease but it is not bothering me half as much. I have lost to date 160# down from 312#. To me this is the best life saver we could get. It has not been an easy year due to 2 other surgeries ( one a hysterectomy )but I know my life has just begun over again. My family has not come to terms with the loss. My husband and sons did but my mother, brothers and in-laws think I must be a weakling that can do nothing for myself. I am still working on this but feel it will take time. For those of you still pre-op, please keep going. As said by many, this is a great tool. USE IT! Diane Bull [email protected] pre-op 312# 1 year later 152# I lost a whole person!!    — Diane B. (posted on November 17, 2000)

November 16, 2000
Diane - WOW!!!! What a wonderful update. Congratulations on your great success - getting your health issues under control. I cannot imagine how traumatic it must have been over the past year to have 3 surgeries but you have made it to the other side each time. Thank you so much for sharing because we need to be reminded of what WLS can do by people who have been through it and who have moved on in their lives. I am so sorry your mom, brothers and in-laws haven't come around. It could be ignorance, jealousy or a combination of both. Sometimes it's hard to be happy for someone else when your own life is miserable. I admire your patience with them. But the bottom line is that you took your life back. You'll be able to enjoy your husband, children, and grandchildren for a very long time to come. I am only 6 months post-op and down 91 pounds, and my life has already turned upide down - all for the better! Thanks again for sharing your story and God bless. :):):)
   — Paula G.