Let's just say I had enough trips to the doctor. Without going into all the details here, I had many, many "co-morbidities" as they say in the medical world. I needed to step back and look at the bigger picture. I had Diabetes, High Blood Pressure & Sleep Apnea among other "obstacles".
At the time of surgery, I was 43, married 11 years and have a great 6 year old son named Hunter. I have a great job. It goes without saying I have a GREAT wife too. Lisa had Bariatric Surgery in November 2002, and having seen it change her life, I too wanted something to change.
Mostly, I wanted to see my 44th birthday. I want to see Hunter turn 7, 16, 21...get married...have kids of his own... I want to share my remaining years healthy to be with Lisa, Hunter and my extended family... but needed better health than I was experiencing.
So, on September 15, 2004, I took the step of having Gastric Bypass Surgery.
These photos below should help tell the story.
Now, 48 years old, I am now about 5 years post op, and am down about 120 lbs. Pant waist size was 48, now 34. Shirt was 3XL, now simply a "Large". (No "X's" in front of it!!!) I'm quite ashamed to admit this... but if it motivates someone else, it is well worth it!
I left the hospital not needing my diabetic medicine any more, my blood pressure has dropped over 40 points and the sleep apnea is GONE! I am once again a regular blood donor. I have joined the "6 gallon club" too in blood donations! My personal physician is absolutely amazed. He did not expect such dramatic results so fast. If I can do it... anyone can. But remember... the surgery was a LAST RESORT.
It has been an AMAZING adventure. Yes, there are still daily food struggles... but this all would not have been possible without family support. Who knows what the future holds... but it will now be a more exciting and HEALTHY journey!
CLICK ON THE HOSPITAL BED PHOTO, BELOW ON THE RIGHT... TO BE TAKEN TO MY "SURGICAL DIARY" WEB PAGE.
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