MsShell
I was once an active member of OH. Over time, and as my life was metamorphasized by WLS (and many other experienes as well), I fell away from the online community.
I began my journey at 243.4 pounds. My WLS was performed in January of 2000 - eight years ago.This morning (March 16, 2009 - my 43rd Birthday), I weighed 125.4 pounds (though there have been variations throughout the years). I have been a very noncompliant patient when it comes to my lifestyle after WLS, though I do adhere strictly to my vitamin/ supplement regimen. Exercise? Not so well. I have experienced many post-op health issues, but would like to make the following points about these:
1. The issues have not been surgeon-related OR because of my lack of compliance, but because I have developed a (what I have been told is uncommon) syndrome sometimes associated with WLS.
2. I remain a proponent of the surgery if chosen by fully-informed individuals with much research and forethought (No, I was not one of those - by my OWN fault, not my surgeon's). I WOULD repeat my surgery WITH my surgeon (Patricia Choban) if I could return in time to that day.
3. I am not here to complain about my condition, but to become more informed and find others like myself. I would like to give to others what was freely given to me by OH: the experienced voice(s) of those who have made the journey. And I would like to connect with other "graduates" to tap into their wisdom.
Guess that about covers it.
Personal Info: I am a very happily-married woman, the mother of 6 (his/mine/ours), and the grandmother of 5. I love boating, jet-skiing, reading, writing, and hanging out with my husband, who is my best friend.
Welcome to "Shell's World"!
