Life has changed - for the better - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Thumper · 10-10-2008, 10:05 AM

I have not posted for quite some time now. Although I check in on a near daily basis to keep abreast of current posts, I just haven't jumped in much. A little of that may come from feeling odd about doing well since the RnY GB.

Surgery was 1-18-2008, and the Dr. set my goal at a loss of 135 pounds. I made goal 8-15-2008, and have lost another 10 pounds since then. I am one of the unbelievably luck ones as I have had no problems since surgery. I am religious about taking vitamin/calcium supplements, and I walk from 3 to 5 miles per day, plus ride my bike for about 30 minutes each day. I truly believe that exercise is the key that opens the weight loss treasure chest.

My wife and I just got back from a two week trip to the Pacific Northwest. Having lived out there, it was good to go back and see the beautiful scenery that inspires me everytime I see it. We went to Seattle, Victori B.C., Spokane, and Glacier Park. We did a lot of hiking in Glacier Park and that experience, more than anything else, demonstrated to me how far I have come since the surgery. Being able to hike that much, climb hills without needing oxygen, and just being out in nature was such a rush. I truly feel as if God has blessed me with this gift, one which I cherish every day.

I have uploaded a couple of pictures from the trip. I put them in an album in my profile section. In one, my wife and I were hiking Highline Trail, which runs from Logan Pass at the top of the Continental Divide. Where this picture was taken, the trail is about 6' wide. The dropoff was about 500 feet. About 50' past this bend in the trail, we had to wait for a mountain goat and her baby to move off the trail so we could get by her. It was awesome! The other picture was taken near some "dancing waters" where we stopped to have lunch just off Going to the Sun Road.

I have come out of the woodwork to post this because I remember back to when I was considering gbs and how stories like this gave me inspiration and hope that I could turn myself away from the steady decline in health that I was experiencing. I hope someone can read this and say, "That WILL be me, too."

Blessings,

fisher1000 · 10-10-2008, 10:51 AM

Wow Doug...the pics look great and so do you, buddy! I've been in and out of the woodwork myself but still check in daily. Good to see you posting and awesome to see you loving life!

Thanks for sharing!

-Mike

katzz87 · 10-10-2008, 11:02 AM

Doug,

You're doing awesome!! Surpassing 135 lbs weight loss??! A little jealous here...but not too much!

We had surgery only 1 day apart...isn't it amazing how things change as the weight drops?!

I'm going to go look at your albums now...

Take care and keep up with exercising!!

Cathy

CiCi · 10-10-2008, 11:03 AM

Doug, you look absolutely stunning! your happiness shines from you and from your writing. thanks for sharing.

hope to hear more from you again in the boards!

808Chaney · 10-10-2008, 11:31 AM

Your story is definately inspiring to me. I get scared when I read of all the problems people have had and I think maybe I shouldn't have the surgery. I too want to be able to go hiking & exploring and even more so, I want to start SCUBA diving again. Thanks for sharing.

OsoDelDesierto · 10-10-2008, 05:57 PM

Doug, the picks are fantastic - you look even better than the scenrey, and the scenery is amazing! Congrats on surpassing your goal and the wonderful opportunity to live life again as you want to!

ejones4334 · 10-11-2008, 01:07 AM

Very nice pics, I have that same Seahawks Hat!

Take care,

Vim&Vigour · 10-13-2008, 05:22 PM

Hej Doug!
Great to read your positive and happy post! Such a nice change that someone is happy, satisfied and inspired AND GRATEFUL for once!
Photos say it all! You look strong and serene, and a pleasant match with your slim wife!
Happiness and blessings to you both!
Cheers,
Vim

GrandmaRose · 10-13-2008, 07:11 PM

I've always wanted to see Glacier National Park. What wonderful pics!

Isn't it great to get your life back???!!!

GrandmaRose
Lap RNY 05/08/08

livingthedream · 10-22-2008, 11:10 AM

Hi Doug,
Thank you so much for this post it was very uplifting. I am scheduled to see my Surgeron on 11/11/08 to discuss the process and then wait for insurance to approve. I hope that doesn't take too long. Anyway, I have read a lot of posts good and bad, but you really inspired with your words. I feel that this surgery is meant to save lives, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I pray that you will continue to experience the joys of life and God's true purpose for your life. I am very excited to start my new life and pray for a wonderful outcome. I am drivin to be and do the very best I can for a successful WS. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I also pray others will be encourgaged by these words and those who are having a rough time can read Doug's post and feel inspiration. Everyone has a different experience with WLS and not everyone will go through with such ease, but knowing that we have hope and time heals all wounds that will give us comfort. Thanks again, take care!