Saving My Own Life

[samuelsmith46 4]

Four years ago I decided to look into "lap-banding" for weight loss after MANY attempts to lose weight. I had lost thousands of pounds and gained back even more. A good frend said he would attend with me so we went to a "demonstration" a few miles out of the Washington, DC area. We were both impressed so I read over all the material I was given. Several months later I decided I wanted to go ahead with it, looked up a bariatric surgeon closer to home, Dr. J.R. Salameh in Arlington, VA where I live. Encouraged, I began the process after being told my insurance would cover it. I took almost all the tests and, several months later met with the diatition. She told me what I would have to do for the rest of my life and I was shocked. I remember my feeling after leaving her office. I just wasn't ready.

My life went on and I got heavier and heavier. Instead of Lap-banding I decided to, again, join Weight Watchers. This time my weight was less than three pounds from 300. I was miserable! Two years later my weight was down over 70 pounds but I fell during "snowmagedon" and had to have my right knee replaced. My recovery was very difficult and painful. I continued to gain weight, almost to my original high. My blood pressure was high, my jointes hurt all the time and, again, I was miserable. Meanwhile, I began to look forward to the day when I could retire. I turned 65 and looked into retiring when I turned 66. My olded daughter moved to London, England for work and told me I was invited to visit when I retired or even earlier. I thought a lot about retirement and visiting my daughter and two grandchildren and all the movement it would require and realized I couldn't do it in my present condition. I knew if I continued on like I was, not only could I not enjoy my grandchildren but I would probably die soon into my hard-earned retirement. This would not do. It again, was decision time. Last November, 2011 I decided I had to decide to change my life; to save my life. I called Dr. Salameh's office and made an appointment, again. I met with him on December 2nd, began the process again, this time with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy as my target.

I began the process, lost almost 40 pounds before my surgery on March 19th, 2012 at Viginia Hospital Center and today am two weeks after still recovering. I have lost 13 additional pounds in these two weeks and lose about a pound a day.

i think my final goal with be around 170 pounds or so which is about my weight while I was in college. I'm proud of myself because I think I finally had the guts to save my own life.

[cassieh 136]

Good for you. What an awesome story. Keep up the good work.

[waistnaway 32]

So proud of you!! This is a great place for support. Everyone is so kind and helpful. Good luck on your journey.

[Vance_ 217]

Thanks for sharing that, Samual! What a great story! Congrats to you and your new life!

[kimmy*custis 276]

That is great Samuel, thanks for sharing your inspirational story. Best of luck to you on your recovery, keep us posted on your journey!

[GivingItMyAll 168]

You can totally do this!

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Way to go. Now you can live a healthier life and enjoy those grandchildren! Yayyyyyyy!!!!!!!!

[Pookeyism 1,143]

It ttook me almost a decade and researching and deciding against ALL of the other WLS options before I did this...It is odd, how long it can take until you realize you have had enough.

I have literally fought my way back from the dead before, and yet I could not accept WLS for a whole decade. I wish I understood that more. Enjoy your returement, and never look back!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

hi sam

congratulations on making the best decision of your life, the sleeve. this will improve your entire life. we all know how difficult it is being overweight. yes we are all here to support each other.

this is a big committment for life, but it will save your life forever. Thats why we're all here for. Nothing temporary, we need that total committment so we will be around for the rest of our lives - being healthy and happy.

Wonderful thoughts

best luck

kathy

[Lissa 2,631]

Samuel, I can relate to your story! I'm so glad you made the decision FOR yourself. You will be amazed at how quickly you start feeling better. I thank God every day for giving me this gift and I hope you'll feel blessed by your higher power as well!!

Congrats and hang out here. Let us watch your journey with you, please?

Good luck!!