Jeri

"On Dec. 3, 2015 I had the sleeve surgery. On the day of surgery I weighed 214#, slept every night with a cpap, I was diabetic and had high cholesterol. I had low back pain on a daily basis, folding clothes was painful. I tried dieting, exercising, and even did phentermine at one time. Yes, I lost weight, at one time 60#. Each time I gained back what I lost and more. I was tired, depressed, and unhappy with myself. I hated shopping for clothes because I had to find something to cover up my growing middle! In July I went for my annual woman exam and my Dr. suggested weight loss surgery, specifically the sleeve. Honestly, I laughed at him, I told him I loved food too much and really didn’t think I would qualify. I told my husband about it and he said something that made me think long and hard about it. He reminded me that our oldest son, who had gotten married in 2014, would be having kids some day and did I want to be around for that? Wow! Talk about a wakeup call. I had my first appointment with Dr. Chang in August. I barely qualified weight wise, but I had two co-morbidities and that helped me qualify. I had to quit smoking, which was hard, but doable. I had to learn a new way of eating and not gain and most importantly not lose any weight. I made it through all the pre-surgery requirements for Dr. Chang and my insurance and had the surgery.
I am 1 year out and as of today I weigh 118#. That’s 96#. I work out lifting weights 3-4 days a week. I eat 3 meals a day and 1-2 snacks that include protein in order to maintain. I have more energy than I could have imagined. My first grandson was born in October and I have a granddaughter due in March!! I was told by a couple of people I took the easy way out. Really? There was nothing easy about having surgery and having to change my eating habits. If it was that easy I could have made that change and kept the weight off. No drinking before, during, and 30 minutes after I eat. I love carbs! But I have to make protein a priority and I do. I am no longer diabetic nor do I have sleep apnea. My cholesterol is down. My back doesn’t hurt every day. Being healthy is way more important than any food I think I miss. Being there to hold my grandbabies and see them grow up is more important than bread and pasta.
I thank God that I decided to have the surgery and that I chose a great Dr. with an awesome staff!"