Post Gastric Bypass 25+ years

[Margo H 17]

I am now approximately 25 years post-gastric bypass surgery, and even though I was a "pioneer" back in 1994 when I had the surgery done in Birmingham, AL, AND I almost died because of a "leak" that created a huge infection inside my body that led me to a 3 week stay in ICU, I WOULD DO IT ALL AGAIN!. Losing 170 pounds was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I have read comments from some about "missing" their comfort food. Well, if you had rather have comfort food than be thin, then I would suggest you NOT have the surgery. However, I can assure you that you will be so excited seeing the weight drop off your body that your "comfort food" will not even be a fleeting thought in your mind. As you go from shopping in "plus size" women's clothing to "regular" sizes, you begin to feel normal again.

The absolute worst part of the whole experience, even to this very day is the GAS that I experience EVERY SINGLE DAY!! Anything with sugar, or starch, or Fiber, will give me GAS. I have to wear a carbon pad (Flat D) every day to work, and sometimes it still passes by the pads. I keep a can of sanitizing spray at my desk (thank God I have my own office), and I sometimes have to spray to keep others from smelling my foul scents.

I love who I am today. I did not have skin removal surgery, as I could not afford it, and insurance would not cover it. I am tall, and it doesn't look too bad. Now that I am older, it sags more, but what the heck - I am now the size I always wanted to be, and love it. I went from a size 26 to a 14-16. I am almost 6' tall, and am now 68 years old. The picture below is of me and my daughter (who also had gastric sleeve surgery a couple of years back.)

I say "go for it" and love yourself again!

Cheers,

Margo H.

[Margo H 17]

I might mention that my surgery was done at Carraway Hospital in Birmingham, AL, which no longer exists (it was not on the dropdown listing).

[Danny Paul 761]

Thanks for sharing your success story. I welcome these stories because it inspires me to keep the weight off. You and your daughter both look marvelous.

[angyplus5 470]

you guys look amazing!!!

Sent from my SM-G930VL using BariatricPal mobile app

[thisisthenewme 358]

Wow! Thank you for sharing and sorry to hear about the gas, but an easy trade!!

[FluffyChix 17,414]

Wow! Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration! You both look fabulous and happy!!!

[KimTriesRNY 1,853]

Thank you for sharing! You are both so beautiful!

[Lyds85 18]

So inspiring!!