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What was the biggest challenge or
concern that led you to decide to have weight loss surgery?
My biggest challenge was finally having to face my
own reality! My reality was having to make the decision to
either live or die! My health was in trouble, my
self-esteem was the lowest it had ever been and I had
secluded myself from family, friends and the outside
world. I chose to live! Be happy and be healthy! Weight
loss surgery was absolutely the best decision I have ever
made!!!
What did you weigh prior to having
weight loss surgery? 300 lbs.
What type of weight loss surgery did you have? Roux-en-Y
What was the date of your surgery? December 14, 2005
What do you weigh now? 122 lbs.
What is your age? 45
How has weight loss surgery changed your life?
One year ago I made the decision to go on the most important
journey of my life! Educating myself about weight loss
surgery, having the
support of Sarasota Memorial's Bariatric staff, meeting people who were happy to
share their stories of before and after gave me that glimmer
of hope that I desperately needed to move forward with
making my own personal decision.
Describing life after weight loss
surgery? WOW!! Where to begin…I no longer hide from the
world of people! I exercise daily, meet old and new friends
for coffee, shop in “regular” stores, travel and I’m even
thinking of taking a few courses in school!
I’m able to actually move without
becoming out of breath! I no longer worry about fitting in
a restaurant booth, I can sit comfortably behind the wheel
of my car without struggling. I can fit into an airplane
seat and actually buckle the seat belt without having to ask
for an extension. Now that was so exciting to me!! Such
simple things to most people but huge accomplishments for
me!! My health has also improved since weight loss
surgery. I can actually
sleep laying down!! No more snoring! I am off all of my
medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and
cholesterol. No more side effects to deal with!!
So for me… weight loss surgery has been
a very positive experience! It was definitely the right
decision for me!!
Is it a
cure? Absolutely not!! You need to be prepared to work
very hard before surgery and even harder after surgery but
it is oh…soo…worth it!! It is most definitely the most valuable
tool and the most wonderful gift you’ll ever receive!!
I feel truly blessed to be given this
second chance at life and I look forward to living each day
to the fullest!! LIFE IS GOOD!!!! |
