PennyinAL

I'm a retired former business owner who had to sell/retire early because of health issues. I love to travel although I haven't been able to in a while now. Happily married for 20+ years, mom to none, bargain shopper, semi-reformed couponer, love Flea Markets, fairs & festivals and any form of travel even if it is just to the next county. I love to read magazines, news, books, listen to podcasts, love to drive. Have about a million plus miles under my belt. I love to cook,bake and eat. Native New Orleanean which has made keeping weight off very hard because Louisianians like FOOD. 

Had a lap band in 2006 when my weight topped out at 222 for my 5'9" frame, many people don't consider me obese although I've always felt too big even when I was a size 9 in college. Over the years my diabetes has only gotten worse, my weight went to 245 recently which is when I decided to go ahead and get that stupid band out (I am convinced it made my health and sugar and weight worse by not allowing my food to process and keeping blood sugar elevated) and have them perform the gastric bypass while in there.

Have already come down 20 lbs  since i went for appointment to discuss with surgeon. Fortunately, insurance didn't make me go through all the hoops to get approval, saw bariatric surgeon who put in the band in July, got endoscope that next week, scheduled surgery and surgery was done 08/01/2023.

Yes, it hurt like hell. 10 days ago. I'm still hurting, told clear liquids until at least 8/21/23. Have several 1 inch or so incisions, a large hole where lap band port came out and where pic line was left for a week. It's still bandaged, glued and I look like a scarecrow on the midsection but 20 lbs in a month is worth it. I'd like to get down to around 145, maybe lower.

I have a wonderful husband who supports me in anything I do and who loves me regardless and for this I consider myself truly blessed. He's been by my side holding my hand and holding me up throughout and the last thing he said was he loved me no matter what I looked like so it is a motivation to make him proud.

More to follow.