Our lives 2 years out - ThinnerTimes

Woody · 07-23-2004, 12:04 PM

I just thought I'd share a little about me. In January of 2001 I ended up with 2 herniated and degenerating discs in my back. I was, for all intents and purposes, totally immobile. I had type 2 diabetes and was on meds for it. I had high blood pressure and was on meds for that too. I also had very high cholesterol. I suffered from severe asthma also. I also suffered with severe sleep apnea and had been on a CPAP for a few years. By the time my wife and I looked into bypass surgery I weighed 350 lbs. That was in December of 2001. We went to our first seminar in February 2002. My wife was also morbidly obese so we were looking at both of us having the procedure. Since I was the one who was in worse shape. we decided I would be the guinea pig and go first. After jumping through all the hoops, I was ready to have my surgery in April of 2002. The surgery went well and I had no complications. I recouperated quickly so that I was ready to be my wife's "buddy" in May. She had her surgery on May 23. She also had no complications and the procedure went well.

Now, 2 years later, here's my situation: I now weigh 235 pounds. At 6'3" this is a fairly normal weight. My sleep apnea is gone. My diabetes is gone and I don't take any meds for it. My blood pressure at last check was 122/80. My cholesterol levels are normal. My back still gives me trouble now and then but is under control with pain meds. I am no longer immobile. My asthma is vastly improved. My wife has lost over 100 pounds and is having her tummy tuck next month. We live what I would consider a normal life. Food is not an issue. We eat normally concentrating on high protein meals. We go out to eat regularly and usually split our meals. We don't exersize as much as we should, but we get by. We shop at normal clothing stores and buy clothes off the rack. We moved to Las Vegas from Chula Vista in April of 2003. We don't know anyone here so dealing with people regarding weight loss isn't an issue either. Living a life where food is not a major issue is a pleasure. We even go to buffets without a problem, we just eat what we choose to eat, just not a lot of it. I drink an occasional diet soda and I eat an occasional sweet. Living an "after bypass" life is normal to us now. We still try to eat balanced meals. We don't eat much in the way of carbs. I eat protein bars daily. I drink an occasional shake (Wal-mart's Equate canned shakes). I have beaten the evil cravings and no longer even think about them anymore. We live what I would consider "normal" lives with special dietary considerations.

I now take dietary suppliments daily. I take 2 glucosamine (for my arthritic knees), Citrucel for "regularity", fish oil caps and One-a-day (for 50 plus) vitamins daily, and sub-lingual B-12 once a week. I also take meds for depression and bi-polar daily. I also take 2 different meds for my asthma. And that's it.

As Dale says, "Life is Great"

Christina · 07-23-2004, 12:27 PM

Woody,

That is such wonderful news about your wife and yourself. I am so happy for you two. Congrats on your success not only in weight loss but medically as well. That is the type of post that inspired me to have the surgery in the first place.. hopefully you guys will be able to make it out some time for a support group. That would be great to meet you guys..

Just let us know when you are coming so we can be sure to attend..

cali4ialuv · 07-24-2004, 09:49 AM

Hi Woody,
I greatly appreciate you sharing this information with the group. I'd like to congradulate you on your success. (As well as your wife.) I'm just over one year out and often wonder how things will be after two years. It's really reassuring to know that after this long, our tool still works. I struggle from time to time with making healthy decisions, but quickly get back on track. I'm truly amazed at many comorbities you once suffered. Your story is truly inspiring. In addition, I'm really pleased to see how you still follow pouch rules by eating low carbs and high protein. Again, I often forget these rules as I get further out. (I haven't had a protein bar since I was about 6 months out.) Well, thanks for sharing and I look forward to hearing more about life after surgery aftery the 2nd year.

Blueyz · 07-24-2004, 10:04 AM

Woody,
This is great. It helps me to understand that I will be able to live a normal life. Right now being 10 days post-op is kinda scary. I am sure you can remember those days. Thanks for the wonderful post.

watergirl · 07-25-2004, 09:28 AM

Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. Congratulations on yours and your wifes success! It really helps all of us when given the opportunity to hear about the successes, set backs, trials and tribulations of everyone no matter where they are in their journey before or after WLS. Thanks again to everyone who contributes to this board!

Bigbaldbuddie · 07-26-2004, 09:35 PM

As a native of Chula Vista, I must say Woody, I'm sorry I never met you.

Congrats on you and your wife's current way point in the "journey".

I almost moved to "Lost Wages" a few years back, but I can't imagine living away from the Ocean's coastline.

A good friend of mine moved there for health reasons: Asthma and bronchitis.

I guess the dry heat helps you breath easier.

Maybe one day us post-ops can take a bus trip out there and meet up for a dinner or something before that bus turns back towards SD?

Anyhow...Congrats to you Woody.

bridgetgirl · 07-28-2004, 10:38 AM

I agree with Gerry, we need to take a road trip! I spoke with a post op friend last night and THAT person has access to a RV...... Woody were almost there!