Melissa Hixenbaugh

I had my RNY on 5/29/2013. Prior to surgery I had multiple health problems. Some where the typical ones; I had been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and degenerative arthritis. I also had some non-typical health problems; these were lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, an auto-immune thyroid and fibromyalgia. I was taking approximately 20 different medications. I was struggling daily with my life! My weight pre-op was 309. I could not walk 50 feet without becoming so winded that I needed to stop and take a break. I couldn't climb one flight of stairs. My hips and knees hurt so bad. I was looking at possibly ending up in a wheel chair before long. That all changed the day of surgery! I have officially lost 100 pounds! I am able to walk and climb steps with no difficulty. I am no longer considered a diabetic and have stopped my diabetes medicines. I am only taking medications for my lupus, thyroid and RA! I have made a big change in my life, not only with the surgery, but I moved 700 miles to live my dream by living at the beach! My self esteem has soared! My husband keeps telling me that I will be ready for a bikini by summer! I have never worn a bikini in my entire life!