An update from Jane

[Guest guest]

Hello Fellow Graduates:

I'd like to share with you all my story at 18 months post op. Needless to say

I'm delighted with my weight loss results and the health benefits that I have

achieved, most amazing is that I am scheduled to run my first ever marathon

(26.2 miles) next month!

I had surgery in Arpil of 1999 at slightly more than 110 pounds overweight and

a BMI of 43. I have lost 102 pounds and now have a BMI of 25.8 (almost in the

normal range). I had diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and pain from

arthritis and took meds for each of those conditions everyday. The conditions

are all gone and I take no meds anymore (except my vitamins, of course)! I used

to wear size 22-24 and now I buy 6-8!

I had a tummy tuck in February of this year and for the first time in my life I

have a flat tummy and can tuck my shirt in and wear a belt. Its amazing! OK

the scars are awful (I keloid) but I don't care and I expose my bare belly while

running...if folks don't like it, don't look.

I believe in ritual, we have a ritual at all important stages of our

lives...when we are born, baptized, become a man, marry, even when we die...I

needed a ritual to celebrate this major life event. I decided to run a

marathon...the Marine Corps marathon...as an AIDS fundraiser. I joined the

AIDS Marathon Team and pledged to raise nearly two thousand dollars and to run

several hundred miles in the training. I had NEVER run before. My fundraising

is going well, my training has had several major bumps along the road. I was

doing fine until mid July when I experienced intense pain and

ended up having an emergency surgery to remove my gall bladder and to take care

of some adhesions that were causing problems. I was cut open from breast bone

to pubic bone and didn't think I could get back on track with my training. BUT

I DID IT! I am only slightly behind my training partners and have now completed

an 18 mile run and will do a 22 miler weekend after next.

Then its coasting for two weeks until the marathon on October 22. I can

visualize the finish line and I can't wait. I had thought that the ritual I was

planning was the marathon...but in point of fact, the ritual has been the daily

training, getting up each morning to get the miles done, making sure I've gotten

enough water and food/fuel to do a good job and stay safe, being careful about

clothes that bind and shoes that pinch and wearing

sunblock...and just plain old putting one foot in front of the other day after

day. That is the ritual...I have learned so much from this journey. Please

think of me on Sunday, October 22...I will take all the psychic energy

I can get.

Needless to say...none of this would have been possible prior to my weight loss

surgery. I couldn't even dream it. I have become a very firm proponent of

exercise as an integral part of one's weight loss success after surgery. No

mater how little, don't make excuses, just put your shoes on and get out the

door. Walk, jog in the pool, swim, lift weights, play softball, walk in

the mall...whatever it is JUST DO IT!

Thanks for listening...Cheers>>>Jane S