Three year anniversary!

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

 

I just wanted to report in and let everyone know that I am celebrating my 3 year

anniversary today.  It is hard to believe that I am 3 years out.  I can’t

believe how much my life has changed over those 3 years.  I have had a few

battles I have had to overcome but it’s so nice to be able to enjoy my life. 

Dr. P, I had my blood work on July 8th and will send the results once I get the

reports.

 

I have had 2 “WOW” moments in the past few months.  One was at a family get

together when my nephew didn’t recognize me. My Mom asked him if he was going to

introduce his girlfriend to me.  He couldn’t believe I was sitting right next to

him.  The second came when I was waiting at the bus stop for my granddaughter. 

A lady drove up with her grandchildren and rolled down her window while waiting

for the bus.  Then she said to me “I hate skinny people like you.  You make me

look even fatter then I am”.   Then I told her my story.  She couldn’t believe

that just a few years ago I was over 300 lbs.  I never thought anyone would ever

call me skinny.  I’ve gone from being the heaviest in my family to being the

smallest family member.  In fact, everyone thinks I’m too small. 

 

I must admit I have struggled keeping my weight at a healthy level.  I was doing

quite well until I contracted MRSA following cosmetic surgery.  I found myself

back in the hospital for 2 weeks and went from 125 pounds down to 108 pounds. 

At 5’8”, I looked very ill and to tell you the truth I was.  I needed help just

to get up and down.  I contacted DrP and followed up with my internist and after

several months I was able to gain back the weight and now I keep it steady at

130 pounds.  I have to stay on top of my food menu and be sure I’m getting

enough protein.  I make myself eat because I never seem to be hungry.  I never

thought I would be fighting to get enough calories.  It sometimes seems to be

just as much of a struggle for me to keep the weight on as it was to keep it

off.  My husband keeps me in check by reminding me to eat or fixing me a healthy

snack when he notices I haven’t eaten in awhile.  The one thing that I hate “is

not knowing” from one meal to the next how much I can eat.  I hate it when I go

to a restaurant, order a meal and then can only take 2 or 3 bits and then am

full.  The next time I go, I order the same thing and eat almost everything.  My

husband still worries about my weight.  It’s strange because he use to worry

because I was overweight and now he worries because he thinks I need to put on

weight.

 

I was so desperate when I had the MGB.  I didn’t have a life.  I was so

miserable.  Now I take the grandkids to the pool everyday.  I’m not embarrassed

to be seen in a swimsuit and can swim and play with them.  They can hug me and

their arm fit completely around me and it feels so good.  I couldn’t imagine

being at 311 again; in fact I might not even be here today if it wasn’t for the

surgery.  Recently, I was laid off of work during a downgrade and relocation of

my office.  I am now out hitting the pavement looking for another job.  I

couldn’t imagine being able to find a job at my old weight.  I know there is

discrimination out there for the obese in the job market.  I now feel confident

when I interview and I know it will only be a matter of time before I find the

perfect job. 

 

Well I guess I ran on enough.  I just wanted everyone to hear my story and know

how grateful I am to Dr. P, and the entire CLOS staff.  I really

missed them since they move from Texas to Florida.  I hope to be able to attend

one of the picnics or MGB Univ. in the future.  If anyone in Texas wants to try

to have a small gathering let me know. 

 

Neighbors

Dr Peraglie – Houston

July 14, 2005

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