JoAnne Panek Hortman

I gained most of my weight after I was 50 years old.  I had a knee replacement in 2007 and again gained weight because of the lack of exercise.  My Mom passed away in February 2011 and I looked at my fate.  I looked so much like her and knew the health issues she had.  When I went to my Primary Care Physician, my blood tests showed I was borderline diabetic.  I was also on Prilosec for over 15 years because of acid reflux.  I then went to the knee Doctor for my next knee replacement and he told me I was "morbidly obese".   He would not do my surgery until I lost 20 lbs. I cried all the way back from his office.  I then made my decision to either spend my life over weight and uncomfortable or be healthy and happy.  I choose happy.  I made my first appointment for July 6,2011. 
The hardest part of this journey was the two weeks prior to surgery.  Being a member of two private clubs, we eat out at least 4 times a week.  I also like my glass of wine during dinner and after.  The Chef's were funny, they made me broth and jello so I wouldn't have to worry about staying away.  They would even give me "to go" broth for lunch.  I learned quickley how to made the Bariatric Fushion drinks interesting. I was very proud on the opening day of the Buffalo Bills game. I didn't cheat. (well almost, I had a bite of a sandwich)
My surgery was a nightmare.  The anesthesiologist did not give me something to relax me prior to surgery.  I had to be pre-treated prior to surgery and he forgot to add that to my drip.  I had a panic attack and then in recovery the nurses gave me doses of drugs to calm me down which made me extremely nauseous.  When I was released from the hospital, I could not even hold down my saliva.  The Dr. Pham gave me a steriod and anti nausea liquid.  the next day I was so much better and back to liquids. 
I started eating soft and normal food the next week.  The only discomfort I had was the incisions.
My first fill was Oct 26, 2011.  I don't feel any different and feel I can eat everything. 
I have lost 23 lbs so far