Robbi
Well where to begin, I am a 57 year old wife, mom, grandmother. My life is wonderful. I always had a weight issue, meaning I had to watch everything I ate, was always dieting. When I was 32 I had to have a complete hysterectomy. After that the weight came on 10 to 15 lbs a year. We had some trying times with kids and family over the years, but the worst was the diagnosis of my husbands MS in 1997 . Not bad at first but is Primary Progressive MS. From the beginning he was on a constant slope downward. He is now in a wheelchair full time , no use of his legs, limited use of his arms and hands. Using left hand and arm to do everything. Anyway to make a long story short, I am his full time caregiver. Don't get me wrong this is not a pitty party. Tom and I feel very blessed with our life. We have a home in Illinois for the summer and a condo in Fl for the winter. We can get the things Tom needs to have a very comfortable life. The emotional part is tuff, watching your husband deteriorate is tuff. He never complains or very seldom does he feel sorry for himself. He is the best patient ever. So that's my life a little stressful but not to much.Last May 2008 I went to my PCP for my yearly check up. He said Rob you need to do something about your wieght. I told him I can't anymore, do not have the strenght to do another diet. That is when he suggested WLS. I new the surgeon he recommended , he did my reflux surgery 13 years earlier. Tom and I went to the informational meeting, and once again fell in love with the doctor. He is the best!
I was still not convinced, thought it was toooooo drastic. Tom however thought it was something I should consider.We came home and I started talking to several family and friends who ALL thought I should look into it more..NO ONE said YOU DON"T NEED SURGERY imagine that? I did not think I looked that bad..lol. Anyway at 235 5'4" I started the process thinking I would have the surgery that summer, RIGHT. I had to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet. Like I wasn't on enough of those. I thought like many I would never get through that. I did. and I had my surgery March 17, 2009. I went into surgery at 229 I went for a 13 week check yesterday and weight 173. I do not see surgeon until 6 month mark and he wants me down at least 20 more. That would put me 10 from my goal. I am in a place now I have not been in 30 years. How much better does it get. I always said my life would be perfect if I was only skinny. I am going to see the goal and maintain it. LIFE IS GOOD