Gastric Bypass Success!

by Lisa
(Kansas City)

Loving Life!

Like many others, my battle with my weight has been a life long struggle. As a kid, I was able to keep it under control because I taught dancing lessons and danced with my high school marching band. However, I tried every diet, beginning at age 13.

The first time I let it get out of control was soon after I married. My husband was in the Navy and I stayed home and ate.

In 1992, I was part of the Phen-Fen phenomenon and lost weight and kept if off for the rest of my 20’s. The weight began creeping back on and by 1999, I was approaching 200 pounds. The law firm I managed was experiencing tremendous growth and 12-13 hour days were normal. I lived with the weight and exercised none in the early 2000 years.

Like most serial dieters, I tried many things during this time, only to fail – one step forward, two steps backward.

In 2006, I began reading about the success of gastric bypass surgery. I researched and discovered that though my weight was high enough (230 pounds – I am 5’3”), my health insurance would not pay for the surgery. I was tired of feeling tired and knew if I did not do something drastic, I would soon have serious health problems. After many discussions with my husband and a few close friends, I decided to have the surgery. I went for my first appointment in August and my surgery was scheduled for October 10, 2006.

This was a very personal decision for me and I have never advised others to make this choice. (Though I was very open about my choice and am happy to answer people’s questions.) I am very fortunate that my surgery was completely successful with no complications. It worked just like the text books said it would. It took me about a year to lose 100 pounds (my goal) and in the second year, I lost another 12 pounds.

Since the day after the surgery, I have weighed myself every day. At first this was because it was so fun to see the scale moving downward; now it is to make sure I am not slipping.

I still have a sweet tooth but I have learned to control it. I have treated the surgery as a second chance – one I am so grateful to have and determined not to waste. I try to make healthy choices and exercise at least 3 days a week, though my goal is 5 days a week.

My mantra is, “eat to live, not live to eat” and one philosophy that has served me well is that if something is really good, then eat it again tomorrow; I don’t have to have so much at one time."