Connie H.
Ten years out!!
Jun 02, 2014
Hi to everyone. I would like to express my eternal thanks to everyone who I have corresponded with or taken wisdom from on this site. I still remember how frightened I was ten years ago when I weighed 475 pounds and was heading into weight loss surgery. I was so afraid to have the surgery but I was even more afraid to continue the way I was. My life was miserable and health problems were starting to crop up. Thankfully my surgery went very well, I everntually got to a low weight of 214 pounds, have had several plastic surgeries since (bilateral brachioplasty and tummy tuck plus hernia repair). It was not an easy decision and it has not been an easy road. The food addiction will always be there and I still struggle with it everyday. I have gained weight back and at one point weighed about 280, but have now dropped to 236. I would like to lose more but am trying to learn to accept myself the way I am in case this never happens. I can say though that I am happier and far healthier than I was ten years ago.
Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and found out I carry the gene mutation that makes me very susceptible to another breast cancer and ovarian cancer (plus other cancers). I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, and removal of my ovaries to greatly reduce my risk. (Angelina Jolie did this also!). However I had many complications after the surgery and was very ill for about 6 months after. I would NEVER have survived this if I was as heavy as I had been before. I am so grateful for this procedure and the fact that it gave me back my life once, and helped to save it again with this diagnosis.
I currently exercise 5 or 6 days a week and am very strong. I have traveled to many places since the weight loss (I was afraid to get on a plane before). I love Mexico, Costa Rica and have traveled numerous times to China to teach nurses there. I climbed the Great Wall twice, did the Avon Walk, rode a horse, snorkeled, and many other activities I never would have been able to do before.
To all those struggling before surgery, reach out to those on this site. Ask questions, ask for support, voice your fears. After surgery continue to reach out. Involve yourself in this forum and get help at home too through support groups or counseling. As you get further and further out, try to stay connected and help those just as they helped you in the beginning. I am so grateful for all those who supported me in the past. THANK YOU< THANK YOU!!