[cherish_mj]

I began my process in 2007 and then again in 2009 with Dr. O'Malley in Highland but in 2007 my insurance changed, and in 2009 I was denied. I had my surgery a few days ago with Dr. Weiss of Finger Lakes Weightloss Center in Auburn Memorial Hospital, it is a wonderful center with tons of support and follow up and Dr. Weiss was absolutely amazing!!!

[marymelodi]

Just thought I'd let everyone know my latest status. It's been 31 days since surgery. I am feeling fantastic, better than I have in decades. I have lost over 20 lbs. but even better are my hypertension and diabetes status. Blood pressure very normal on only one medication versus the 3 I used to take. Diabetes even better. Blood glucose dropped into the normal ranges 72 hours after surgery and has stayed there since. I have reduced the medications by 75% on the metformin I take and 60% on the insulin. My A1C test this week resulted in a 6.0% measure - - exactly at normal. I saw my PCP yesterday and she is so pleased with me and for me. I have been able to get very active, returning to the swimming I started last fall and also working with a personal trainer in the Fitness Center at the hospital where I work. I have tried Zumba and Blast Step classes and love, love doing exercise / dance to music. I had only 48 hours of misery ( anesthesia and the drain) after surgery but once home in my own bed, with meds and food under my own control progress has been miraculous. I only have used one pain pill, in the first 8 hours after returning home, and nothing since. I have been feeling just wonderful, full of energy and vigor.

Even better is the infusion of hope which has been like the dawning of a new day for me. I realized now that I had lived in despair for so long that I didn't understand the weight I was carrying on my heart was as heavy or more than the weight I've been carrying on my body. I now know that I can overcome this life of bondage to food and poor choices and it has made all the difference. The change in my attitude and outlook seems like a miracle to me and was unexpected. I expected the physical changes but did not anticipate the tremendous emotional & spiritual life that I would experience.

I am very, very grateful for this wonderful blessing. (My surgery was on Jan 25th at Highland Hospital, Rochester, NY, by Joseph Johnson, MD).

[momrobare]

Originally Posted by marymelodi

(My surgery was on Jan 25th at Highland Hospital, Rochester, NY, by Joseph Johnson, MD).

My surgery was at Highland Hospital too only with Dr. O'Malley!

Believe me it just keeps getting better and better. This November will my 2nd Surgiversary and I am still losing weight. I went from 237pounds down to 109 pounds and I feel GREAT! It's hard to get all the protein in still as I hate all the protein drinks (and believe me I've tried pretty much all of them) so I use the Vanilla Special K as coffee creamer! However, that means I have to drink quite a bit of coffee (decaf) something I've never drank before.

I went from 3 Metformin pills a day along with 2 shots of Byetta and 1 shot of Lantus insulin down to absolutely NOTHING the day after surgery and I haven't had to have anything since. My high cholesterol is gone and my high blood pressure is gone!

I am now wearing a size 6 petite and if it weren't for my hips...I would probably be in a size 4. However nature gave me child bearing hips...even though I only had one child. Shopping is FUN now.

Family reunions are great! LOL.

Exercise is still tough for me as it's hard to get motivated. I was told the more I exercise the better I would like it...but that isn't true for me. I like the water aerobics as long as it's warm out but when it gets cold even the water in an indoor pool at the school feels cold to me! But I do it because I have to.

[najwamama]

hey,
I am from New York City had my surgery 2 yrs. ago was 374 pds before the surgery and now I am 190 pds. I am proud to say that the reality of life has not been the best but I have survived through some crazy stuff and came out a winner and so much happier for it. The weight loss has enabled me to do so much more than before and it is a blessing to me that I had the surgery! I hope you continue to be successful with your weight loss as well!

[Suzi-Q]

Hey all. Just wanted to check in. I had my 2nd year surgiversary yesterday. All was great! Dawn at Dr. O'Malley's office was very, very pleased. She doesn't want me to lose any more weight. That is the same thing she said last year. I did lose more from last year. She asked me if I had the decision to make all over again, would I do the WLS over again. I said IN A HEARTBEAT!!!! I have lost 130 pounds. I am in a size 2 pants, and a small top, a small in dresses. This is the best decision I could have made for myself.

[bertie]

That is awesome Suzi-Q happy anniversary! I can't wait till I am looking behind me at my successes!

[staceydean]

Wow, happy to see all the people from our area! I am going to a first consult with Dr DiBenedetto in Lockport 10/6. Thinking roux en y bypass... lapband seems like a lot of work for terrible long term outcomes. Is there a way for us to make a 'thread' for all us WNYers?