My Story

[SharonL 1]

I had my surgery 12/1/10 - Dr. Kowalski. He is absolutely the best! I had no pain. I actually made them show me the x-rays of my stomach the next day because I didn't believe they had done anything. I went along great for the first 6 months. Then life kicked in and has sucked me down. I've lost a total of 120 lbs - 42 before the surgery. Before the surgery I was taking 6 insulin shots a day and numerous other medications. Now, I still take a small dose of my cholesterol medicine but 1/4 what I was taking and 1/2 dose of blood pressure medicine. I'm back on 2 oral medications for the diabetes but I'm down to 1 shot and tapering it off. My highest weight was 442 lbs. That was in February 2010.

In May of this year - my diet became less restricted and I could start having beef, starches, etc.... At the same time, I went on a trip with my parents to Minnesota for my brother's wedding. Me and my mom in the same area for a week plus 8 hours each way in the car - spells disaster. The disaster came in the form of carbs - ie the biscuits she took for us to eat for Breakfast every morning while we were there. Plus the wedding cake and well - you get the picture.

Then, I get home from that trip and Memorial Day weekend we go camping. We usually camp several times during the year. Normally while everyone else goes off hiking and having fun - my sister-in-law and I sit at the campground (usually munching on chips or something). Not this time - 100+ lbs down - I'm going hiking! I did - and I fell. I broke my wrist. So for the next 6 weeks - I pretty much sat on the couch watching cooking shows, not eating the best foods and not exercising. I couldn't swim because of the cast and if I rode my exercise bike or walked, my arm swelled. I'm back at work now but still not released to full duty. I'm back in the pizza lunches all the time, cake and Cookies in the breakroom environment.... I'm also trying to get back into exercise. I didn't gain during this time - but I didn't lose either. Basically I've wasted 3 months of my tool. My surgery support group met today and the speaker was the psych dr. The topic was change. So, basically what he was saying (and what I had figured out is) 1) I'm dealing with the change in eating restrictions right when my own life changed, 2) I'm having to change my exercise habits and 3) I'm dealing with the fear that if I could get hurt once with being more active - I could get hurt again.

Ok - so that's my surgery story. I'm not giving up and I'm hoping that I can find some support on here to find my way back to the healthier lifestyle that I have wanted for so long.

On the personal side - I'm married, live in Missouri. My husband and I have been married for 24 years. He's my biggest supporter but he's not good with the emotional side of this. We have 2 kids - our son is in the Air Force - stationed in Tacoma WA and our daughter is in college - still living at home. I love to cook, am active in my Church and love to read. Exercise - I love to swim, I ride my exercise bike and right before I fell- I started circut training at the gym. My husband & I camp (mostly at Missouri State Parks) a lot in the spring and fall.

Hope to "talk" to you all soon.

Sharon

[longer-life 139]

I loved reading about your journey. I just arrived from my first bariatric orientation ever, so I really can't help you much, but I wanted to welcome you here. For the last month I have been here constantly and everyone has been great. I am sure you will find the support you are looking for.

[Indymom 132]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like you had a backslide, but no gain is great . . . just chalk it up to a brief derailment, but now you're back on the right "track" so to speak.

Good luck to you!

[Raine 170]

I think you will be fine . You realized what was happening and now you are "changing" the situation. Good for you and good luck!

[SharonL 1]

Thanks guys. I am getting my mind back around what I need to do. We're working on finding a new gym and this weekend - the house will be cleared of any food that I don't want near me. Going to go through my closet too and get rid of more clothes - I feel so much better and more positive when I'm not wearing baggy clothes.

Have a great day everyone.