Mary's Story
Why I want a Gastric Bypass
Mary Welther
I am 37 years old, 5’4” and 268. I have battled my weight all of my adult life and have only succeeded in gaining more weight. I have tried every weight loss program out there, some medically supervised and some on my own. I have tried Redux, Phen-phen, metabolife, the works. I lose some weight but it always comes back plus some. For the last year I have been on a 1000-1200 calorie low fat diet, I have reached my all time high of #268.
I am a happily married wife and mother of a 3-year-old son and step mom to two teenagers. I have always been very active. I love to camp, hike, ride bikes, swim, go to the beach, etc., with my weight as high as it has become, I find it nearly impossible to physically do the activities that I have always enjoyed. I am frustrated and unhappy with my lack of activity. The last few years I have also started experiencing the medical side effects of my morbid obesity. I have had to have knee surgery due to a fall; I have GERD, stress incontinence, shortness of breath, ankle swelling, painful joints, painful back and shoulder, fatigue and most recently high blood pressure. I also suspect that I have sleep apnea because my husband says I snore and stop breathing in my sleep.
I feel that my career has suffered because I work for Surgeon’s who view my obesity as a fault, lazy, lack of discipline, sloppy, etc. They never say it directly to me but it is there. I also lack the confidence in my abilities because of my lack of confidence in my appearance. I have reached many goals in my professional life but feel that if this hurdle is removed it will allow me to proceed higher in my field.
I want my life back. I want to be healthy enough to raise my son and enjoy him, not just sit on the sidelines and watch. I want to be able to resume the activities that I have always enjoyed. I have a happy life, aside from my obesity, I want to live.
Fast Forward Post op Nine months….
My life has been change more than I ever anticipated. My marriage is stronger and happier. I have a great time with my son. My confidence and self-esteem have recovered. I love to dress up. I can do anything. I no longer have the limitations of my body.
I still struggle with food issues, I still want to munch and snack especially in the evenings. I still crave simple carbs, I still don’t drink enough water or exercise as much as I should. I am however very proud of all that I have accomplished and very thankful to Dr. Callery for giving me the chance to get my life back.
Mary W
07/08/03
Lap RNY, Dr. Callery
272/149/145?
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you rock!
, I would love to have details of your progress. Since we are so close to the same size it would be nice to see what I have to look forward to. I am 5" 4' and 262. I would love to weigh 135... Do I have any hope?
Renee
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