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Adelfa
Pre-Op |
Adelfa
Post-Op |
Six years ago
after gaining almost 150 lbs in
less than four months I was diagnosed
with Cushing's syndrome, a very
rare and sometimes fatal disease.
I was very ill for the longest
time, and then a miracle happened.
On
May of 2004, I went for a blood
checkup, and the Cushing's syndrome
had disappeared, all of my doctors
said that was medically impossible,
Cushing's Syndrome never goes
away.
After
that, my doctor suggested I have
Gastric Bypass surgery, to try
and lose all the weight that was
making me so miserable. I tried
every diet you can imagine and
nothing worked, this due to the
cortizol level in my body.
So
on September 29, 2004 I went under
the knife and had an open Gastric
Bypass surgery, without being
sure it would work due to my previous
Cushing’s syndrome. My doctors
warned me I might not lose any
weight, and if I did I would not
be able to lose more than 120
lbs MAX. This is a very hard way
to loose weight, surgery helps,
but there has to be a lot of will
power and endurance to face all
the challenges ahead.
I
thank God I lost the weight. Of
course I still see myself as fat
and would love to reach my goal,
but they’ve told me it’s
medically impossible. I’ve
lost 122 lbs and won’t be
able to lose any more due to my
previous illness and the damage
it did to my body.
I
am living proof that protein shakes
made a dramatic change in my life;
they literally saved my life.
I didn't drink any protein shakes
until after 6 months post op.
I didn't know about them, and
at 6 months when I asked my doctor
if I should take them, he prohibited
them saying they would only make
me as fat as I used to be.
Well, let me tell you, I was so
miserable and depressed and didn't
know why. I have a Ph.D. in Psychology,
so I analyzed myself thoroughly
and knew it was nothing external
causing the severe depression.
I have a wonderful husband, four
incredible children and my life
is beautiful, thank God.
But still, I would sit and cry
for hours on end. At one point
I decided suicide was my only
way out. I was also very dizzy
all the time, couldn't drive because
I was so dizzy. I felt horrible.
Then I joined this list (OSSG
Graduate) at the suggestion of
a dear friend. I started to put
two and two together. OUR BRAIN
NEEDS PROTEIN to function, without
it we literally go crazy, depressed
and many other things. It's a
vital organ, as all vital organs
they need food (protein) to function
properly !
So
I started with my protein shakes
and my life changed almost immediately.
When I took my first protein supplement
I was on a trip, my hubby had
taken me in hopes of cheering
me up. So he bought me the ISOPURE
ready to drink clear protein drinks.
Yuck - but I drank them.
By my third bottle I was another
person. It was dramatic.
When
we came back home, I ordered from
Vitalady my first protein powders,
and I made the mistake of ordering
2 lbs jugs of ProScore chocolate
and chocolate Whey Stack. I dumped
severely, still don't know why.
But then I tried a few more, and
I fell in love with Champion Banana
Scream, IDS Cappuccino, IDS vanilla-
cinnamon, and if I only take 1/2
scoop of Champion Whey Stack chocolate
with my banana scream or my cappuccino
I do great.
My labs are great, I feel fabulous,
I had never in my life had the
slightest bit of depression and
thank God, I haven't had it again
since I started taking my protein
shakes. I try to do 3 a day, but
mostly do 2 a day, and believe
me they are life savers.
A month ago I had to have another
surgery. Six hernias had to be
repaired and have more than 3
lbs of mesh holding my intestines,
at the same time I had a tummy
tuck. Both my surgeons (dear friends
since childhood) were amazed at
my recovery. I was out Christmas
shopping and driving at two weeks
post op.
24
hours after surgery I was walking,
bathed myself, got in and out
of the hospital bed without any
problems, amazing! They both asked
me what I was doing and I told
them about the protein shakes
and Vitamins. My Plastic surgeon
said "keep on doing your
protein shakes, they are as important
as antibiotics for you"
Thank you Don and Michelle, and
thanks to everyone that helped
me in my worst hour of need.
I love with all my heart.
Adelfa
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Charles
& Leah Before
Thanksgiving 2003 |
Charles
& Leah After
Anniversary 2005 |
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Charles
& I (Leah) began looking into weight
loss surgery separately and with out telling
the other. I had reached the point where
I just knew this was what I needed and
wanted to do in order to get my life back.
I was 302lbs and 5’6” tall
and was just existing, not living my life
– and I was only 32 years old. I
sat down with Charles one night (September
2003) and told him that I wanted to see
about having gastric bypass surgery. Charles
response was not only supportive, but
he indicated that he had been thinking
about the same thing and wanted to have
the surgery also. His weight had crept
up to 332lbs on his 6’0” frame.
Our journey with weight loss surgery began
together.
Through
many resources on the web and the local
support group, we wound our way through
the maze of getting approved, completing
the necessary paperwork, educating ourselves
about the required protein and supplements,
and dealing with the myriad of emotions
that go hand-in-hand with choosing to
have this surgery. We choose Dr. Oh (Federal
Way, WA) as our surgeon. Finally our surgery
dates were set; mine for March 30, 2004
and Charles’ for April 6, 2004.
I was having my surgery first by design.
I was terrified for Charles to have this
surgery – and if something were
to happen to him – I was afraid
that I wouldn’t follow through.
We are very thankful that surgery and
recovery went very smoothly.
To
date (February 2005) I’ve lost 135lbs.
I’ve gone from a tight 24W to size
10 pants. My shirts were 2x-3x and I’m
now wearing a size Large. My energy level
is fantastic – no longer feel the
need to collapse after a day at work.
The constant back and knee pain I experienced
before surgery is virtually gone. I also
no longer suffer from migraine headaches.
Charles
has lost 145lbs and has just about stabilized.
He went from a 56” waist pant to
a 36”. His shirts were size 3x –
now he is in Mediums. He was diagnosed
with sleep apnea prior to surgery –
now there are no issues for him and he
is thankfully sleeping well each night.
He too has amazing levels of energy and
his constant aches and pains have subsided.
We’ve
never once hit a true plateau. I know
this because we not only tracked our weight,
but also our measurements. During months
that I may not have had as big of a weight
loss as I would have liked, my inches
would show me that I was still shrinking
overall. We faithfully take our vitamin
supplements and the protein shakes each
day. Once cleared by our surgeon, we joined
the local health club and have made it
part of our routine. We workout at least
3 days a week with some form of cardio
exercise and do weight training 2 days
a week. Variety has been key in keeping
us motivated (swimming, walking, elliptical,
rock climbing) – basically whatever
gets us moving.
We attribute our great success to the
supplements coupled with the exercise.
We also believe we have been successful
due to being a couple. Food temptations
are always around us – but never
at home since we are on the same eating
plan. We are able to motivate and encourage
each other while doing our best to not
become the food police. We made sure from
the start to share in the other’s
victories as we knew our weight loss would
happen at different rates. Finally, one
of the best rewards has been the confidence
to know that this is not temporary for
us – but rather the complete lifestyle
change we were seeking. |
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Gina
Before
26/28 jeans, XXXL top
Open Proximal RNY
October 7, 2002 |
Current
and Still Losing!
Down 105 pounds
Size 12 pants, Junior's Medium
top! |
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Gina
December 2003
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Gina
May 2004
I
am between 133 and 135 on any given
day. Size 2/4 pants and 0 skirts/dresses.
Size xs/s tops. Who would have thought
this after I was a men's XXXL shirt
and 28W pant!
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Gina
August 2004
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I
was at the end of my rope last May 2002.
That is when my journey with WLS started.
I started to became familiar with protein
supplements and vitamins while waiting
for my Open Proximal RNY approval. My
surgery took place October 7, 2002.
Up until that point a daily multi vitamin
was all I took with no real knowledge
of what it did for me and my blood work
was all over the place. Four months
pre-op I started protein supplements
and a good vitamin regimen to prepare
myself for my new life which I was committed
to forever and to be the best I could
be.
I also became educated about what the
benefits these vitamins and protein
supplements had for me in nutrition
pre-op and why they are so vital to
good health and success as a post-op
long term. My goal was to look healthy
and not ashy, have good health, glowing
skin, healthy hair, energy and good
labs. I knew this could only be accomplished
through good nutrition, appropriate
for us post-ops.
I
am very proud that today I am down 105lbs
in 7 months. I have gone from a woman's
26/28W jeans into a woman's size 12.
An XXXL top into a junior's medium.
I still have about 30 more pounds to
lose but know that honestly in my heart
that without proper protein supplements
to help me through my liquid phase,
munchie cravings, and to be my physical
best, they are absolutely necessary,
now and forever.
I still eat 4-5 small meals a day and
have 3-4 ProScore 100 shakes with water
daily. I take in over 64 oz of water,
weight lift 3 times a week and do cardio
4 times a week and take all my vitamins
faithfully. I have never, yet hit a
plateau. I have a ton of energy and
excellent blood work results again.
People, both Non-WLS patients and those
who are, stop me all the time and ask
me what I am doing because I look so
healthy, have glowing skin and shiny
hair. It is pretty simple, protein supplements
and a good vitamin regimen with lots
of water. The next question from people
is, "How did you lose that amount
of weigh so fast, since you are considered
a lightweight?" Again good protein
supplements, having a good post-op plan,
shaped by those who are successful and
reached goal before me. Also by staying
committed and responsible to and for
myself and to my goals.
Without
Vitalady and her knowledge and passion
to help those that follow in her foot
steps, I would have not been so successful.
She has taken time with me, since I
was 4 months pre-op and has never once
pushed her products on me. However,
I stay true and committed to buying
from her because she uses the products
herself, has good blood work results
from them and sells them at a fair price.
Her knowledge to me is worth more than
gold and she truly has helped me succeed
not only in my weight loss but also
in my goal to stay
healthy, look radiant and feel wonderful
and have tons of energy.
I truly love my life everyday and will
come out a winner against this disease.
UPDATE:
December 2003 - Had my plastics and
flew through it thanks to the protein
shakes and vitamins along with being
in good shape physically. It was a breeze
compared to the RNY. I made goal and
passed it. I am now 136lbs. |
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Peggy
Before - 288 lbs.
Distal Gastric Bypass, Dr. Fox,
Tacoma, WA |
Peggy
Now !! |
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February,
1999, I weighed 288 lbs. I was in constant
pain with my back and fibromyalgia,
for which I received 5 trigger point
injections weekly. My asthma and bronchitis
kept me from regular daily activities,
let alone exercise. And my whole family
has diabetes.
As you can probably guess, I tried every
diet in the world. Some let me lose,
but they all let me gain it back and
then some.
After 2 years of prayer, gaining weight
while on my last diet, I decided to
go to Dr. S Ross Fox and see about this
Distal Gastric Bypass. I didn't have
insurance to cover the procedure, but
as a hard working single mom, I figured
I wouldn't be around to enjoy my son
or do ANY activities with him if I didn't
so something. So, I put my financial
affairs in order and paid for it myself.
I have not regretted it since.
I lost my weight fairly quickly and
had a tummy tuck done November, 2001.
Life is good.
I take the vitamins, minerals and faithfully
take my protein shakes. My favorite
is ProBlend 55 Mocha Cappuccino!
As you can see, I'm healthier. I have
more energy and I sleep better. I have
no more pain shots and 80% less back
pain AND no sign of diabetes, to name
a few improvements. I also have LOTS
of fun with my son. |
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5'6",
280 to 138, 4/1/97 (April Fool's
Day! <G>)
Distal Gastric Bypass, Dr. Fox,
Tacoma, WA |
Suzie
Now !! |
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April
1, 1997 -- That was my big day. The
day I went into the hospital in Tacoma
to have my open distal gastric bypass.
September 23, 2001 -- Here I sit with
direct orders to write this and not
at all sure what the heck I should write.
So I will ramble on a bit and see what
happens.
Since the surgery I lost 140 lbs, which
took about one year to lose. I weigh
about 160 lbs now. I realize Dr. Fox
thought I would probably lose more and
I would weigh closer to 130, but I am
very happy and comfortable with where
I am. No, no tummy tuck yet. I will
either have to save the money to have
one, or hope that the insurance will
change their minds and cover the procedure.
Needless to say I am saving money.
My asthma medication has been cut by
more than half, and it is now allergy
related rather than fat related. My
back, hips, knees, and feet are nearly
pain free now. I still have osteoarthritis
in my lower back -- I will never be
completely rid of that -- but I can
walk now, and I do, for miles. I always
loved to walk, but because of my weight
I just couldn't. In fact, if I so desired,
I could run now! Can you believe that?!
Me... Running! I even tried it for a
while, but found that running is just
not my thing. The thing is that I was
able to make that choice. I am not running
because I don't want to and not because
I can't! We do the Sound to Narrows
walk/run every year now. I walk it while
the husband runs it.
My husband and I have been taking trips
to the Caribbean the last couple of
years and have taken a cruise for the
first time. I've even bought a two-piece
swimsuit! First swimsuit I've owned
in over twenty years and the first two-piece
ever for me. Okay, so I tend to wear
a T-shirt over it, but that's because
I sunburn so easily and not because
I'm embarrassed. Oh man, I even learned
to snorkle! What a blast!
Val, the hubby, and I have taken dance
lessons. Swing and ballroom. That is
sooo much fun and when I looked at the
underwater pic Val took of me all I
could think was "I don't look like
a whale!"
Anyway, things are going extremely well.
My weight remains stable. I take my
protein and vitamins, and drink plenty
of liquids. I watch what I eat, try
not to snack too much or graze, and
I enjoy my meals -- though I don't necessarily
enjoy cooking them. It's funny, but
we actually eat out more now than before.
We either split a meal or bring home
the leftovers. Gives me a couple days
worth of lunches that way.
Now I don't want you to think that I
am Miss Perfect here. I still tend to
overdo it when it comes to pizza and
my biggest vise is having rum punches
on Saturday night or a beer on a hot
day. I love sugar-free cookies, but
I don't buy them too often because I
tend to live on them and nothing else
until they are gone. I don't weigh myself
unless I go to the doctor. I seem to
obsess over my weight if I weigh myself
at home. If I've lost a pound I'm on
cloud nine, but if I'm up a pound I
get depressed and impossible to live
with. I find it's better if I just avoid
the scale at home unless there is a
really good reason to get on it.
Yep, I'm happy, healthy, and more alive
than ever! I love my life now. I must
also mention my husband here. We will
be married 20 years in October and Val
has seen me big and not so big. He has
been with me through the ups and downs.
He has been the rock that steadies me
when I doubt myself. Val was my support
team after my WLS and a damn good jell-o
maker. I don't think I could have done
this without him and I love him more
than ever because of who he is. |
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Ron
& Tina Pre-Op |
Ron
& Tina Post-Op |
My name is
Tina and prior to my gastric
bypass surgery August 28, 2001,
weighed in at 230 lbs on my
5’0” small sized
frame. I have been overweight
all my life. I started my first
diet when I was at the age of
12. I remember kids teasing
me, calling me names, and to
this day, remember my father
even telling me that “I’m
fat and will always be fat”.
I have been on every diet imaginable
(and not so imaginable). I managed
to lose 50 lbs a number of times
to gain it all back (and then
some).
I knew about the surgery
from a friend of mine who
had this done in 1994. I tried
to have to the surgery back
then, actually had a date
scheduled on my 28th birthday,
only to have my insurance
then tell me that “I’m
completely healthy being fat”.
I never followed through with
this again, until 8 years
later. I started to research
and gather all the information
that I could about WLS. I
found information regarding
weight loss surgery on the
web while “searching”
for yet another “weight
loss attempt”.
I have always been a very
active person, not letting
my weight get the best of
me. It took a toll on me though,
with certain activities that
I am involved with. I have
always loved to swim, but
being seen in a bathing suit
in public was very much an
embarrassment to me. I love
to mountain bike, but not
being able to ride for long
periods without my back hurting
and my asthma kicking in was
not much fun. I’m also
involved with a local snowmobile
club as well as the County
Search & Rescue Snowmobile,
ATV, and Motorcycle Unit.
Being 100+ lbs overweight
was hard especially when we
have all of our gear on (about
35+ lbs) and the extra clothing
needed I felt like the abominable
snowman walking around.
My husband and I got married
September 11, 1999 and immediately
tried to get pregnant. We
tried for almost 2 years and
were unsuccessful. It was
learned that I don’t
ovulate. I was also found
to have PCOS (polycystic ovarian
syndrome) and in fertile standards
diabetes. I was diagnosed
5 years prior with asthma
and was on an inhaler whenever
I was to partake in any activity.
So besides being on an inhaler,
I was also on Avandia (for
the diabetes), antidepressant,
and Ibuprofen for neck and
back pain.
I am now 5 years post op,
110 lbs lost, and even having
lost ¼” in height
(starting at 5”0”
and now am 4”11 ¾”
with that reason being my
shoe size went from a 7W to
a size 3-5 kids size). I am
no longer taking any prescription
medications (except for my
vitamins). My diabetes is
in remission, my asthma is
completely gone, as is my
back and neck pain and the
depression has diminished
to a tolerable level. I am
able to bend over and tie
my shoes with the bows on
top (instead of the side)
without turning blue. I can
now get in and out of the
bathtub easily. I am also
able to partake in my activities
without any difficulties now.
Being in Search & Rescue,
I have the endurance and stamina
to keep up with the rest of
the unit and not fall behind
or have to rest because I
am out of breath or my back,
neck, or anything else is
hurting. I am able to shop
in the “normal”
size clothing (going from
a size 26 to size 6) (and
even find that shopping in
the kids section is fun!!)
and not have to go to specialty
shops to buy my bras. I still
am tired some of the time,
but that’s only because
I’m keeping myself pretty
busy and not allowing myself
to rest in between activities.
I have the best support system
around me that have been there
for me through the rough times
as well as all the ecstatic
times (like the time when
I was able to fit into a size
6 pair of jeans and button
then up without turning blue).
My husband has been the best
support person to me. He not
only is my husband, but he
is also my best friend and
I feel like we are joined
at the hip in everything we
do together. I’m glad
to have been able to go through
this surgery with him by my
side.
During the time that I had
decide to undergo the surgery,
I also decided to change careers
(with the help of being laid
off from Boeing) to get my
degree in Nutrition and specialize
in Bariatric Surgery and help
educate Dietitians as well
as physicians. I graduated
in June 2005 with my degree
as a Dietetic Technician.
My husband, Ron has since
decided to have the surgery
also 2 years almost to the
date of my surgery (08/27/03)
and lost 127 lbs (most of
the weight loss was within
the first 3 months). He no
longer has severe obstructive
sleep apnea and got rid of
his bipap machine only 2 days
after he was home from the
hospital. (Actually the cat
snores louder than he does
now!!) His blood pressure
is no longer on the high side
and he’s able to do
more now without any difficulty.
He has not had any complications,
with the exception that it
is now harder for him to touch
the ground on the Harley with
the excess weight gone…..
Would we both do this again
if we had to, and the answer
is yes.
Tina & Ron T
Dr. Oh (Federal Way, Washington)
Both of have a 60” common
channel
Distal open RNY
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