Keller
In 2006, I was shocked to learn an aquaintance died due to complications due to his obesity. My health was starting to decline due to my yo-yo dieting and morbid obesity. I had lost over 50 pounds five times in my life, but I always gained it back. I finally decided enough was enough. I was 283 pounds with high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, low thyroid, edema, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides (over 1000 before meds!) I felt that this step was vitally necessary...that my very life depended on it! I took control of my life on March 5 2007. I lost 120 lbs in the process.
My journey has not been without its bumps in the road. In June of 2008, I started having extreme pain. It was thought I was having ulcer pain. Then, in October of 2008, I had a severe gastric bleed which landed me in the hospital. Testing did not reveal the problem. I had several smaller bleeds in the subsequent months. Finally, in February of 2009, I landed in the ER with excruciating pain & it was discovered I had an internal hernia and a section of my small bowel was caught in it. Apparantly, this twisting and catching was what was causing the bleeding. The hernia was repaired, I received 8 iron infusions to treat my severe anemia due to the bleeding & I have been healthy ever since.
My husband and I have always regretted not having more children. We fostered for a time and then decided to try to use fertility treatments to have a baby. Long story short, we now have three grown sons, an adopted son and daughter, and the fertility treatments worked! We also have boy/girl twins. Through all of my health problems, and my pregnancy and nursing I was able to keep control of my weight. However, I had to "eat around" the surgery during pregancy and nursing to get in enough calories for twins. When I stopped nursing, the weight started coming back on. I will not let obesity get the best of me again! I have all the tools I need....I have the RNY, the education, discipline, health, supportive husband, and the intersession of my Lord. My story is not finished yet....
