mohairbears

We are so lucky to have this forum... I found you all by chance while researching... 
 
Throughout my early life I always maintained a reasonable weight. I had always felt achy and not always as well as I should, but never really let if effect my life.  
After having my last child 1999 I became very unwell on and off my joints hurt and I found it difficult to walk.
 
It wasn't until three years ago after losing my mum suddenly I became much more poorly.  Two years ago I went back on steroids got referred to a rheumatologist and I got the multiple diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, Lumbar Spondylosis, Sera Negative Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tendonitis, Bursitis. I've spent the time since on Gabapentin, Steroids, Sulfasalazine, Lyrica, Methotrexate all gave me side effects.
 
My lifestyle suffered my gym membership lapsed, I no longer hiked. I was virtually housebound. 
Early on in 2016 after suffering many side effect huge weight gain things seemed to be getting much worse. I was now on crutches unable to go anywhere.  After waking one day to find my face as swollen as my legs and ankles I began to question was I really on the right treatment path for me.
 
Then after opening the mail one one day I discovered I my latest rheumatology appointment had been cancelled and moved to August. I basically lost my temper. I sat there with swollen legs and feet and cried. Finally I something dawned on me this is my life I need to take back the control. I decided there and then to wean myself off every drug I was on. I did this over 3 months, decreasing doses where necessary. I immediately noticed although I still had some painful symptoms things where getting better. I researched and started taking natural herbal medications and vitamins for my condition they all worked. I began to feel even better. After a blood test my bloods had improved too. This was enough proof I was heading in the right direction...
 
Now the major problem I had been left to deal with was being seriously overweight. I have tried every diet worked as a manager for a top weight loss company. even so There is no way I have the determination to restrict my food for months and months on end and keep the weight off forever. I love food. Yes I was a good nutritious food junky. I ate more calories than my body burned in a day and the pounds crept on year by year...
 
I finally decided it was important to deal with it now in my early 50s so I decided to go private and have a lap band. After the initial consultation with my chosen bariatric surgeon. my decision changed to a gastric sleeve. This being a permanent solution with no constant checkups. I went away did research and made a decision to have the op. 
 
Well you know I'm still here ;)  I can report the operation went well.  I had more pain than normal due to stretching my stitches but I'm recovering as to plan. 
 
The gastric band is a simple operation. It creates a small stomach. You can't easily overindulge. You have to learn self control and learn to understand good nutrition. Luckily I am qualified in diet and nutrition so this helps me a bit making me more realistic when making food choices.  Some find this more mentally challenging than others. I will admit I've had my moments. But i always think why I chose this path. My goal to lose weight and take back control of my life. The gastric sleeve is not a quick easy fix. Its is a diet aid, it helps me like my crutches helped me walk. my success will be down to my common sense and determination to make it work for me. 
 
My weight loss since christmas is 3 stone and I'm trying my best to eat as much good nutritious food as my new stomach will allow so my weight loss will be slow and steady.
 
January I was on crutches barely able to walk. As of today of 31st August 2016 ran down stairs to catch the postman...
 
I now have proof I'm headed on the right journey for me  :)
 
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