6 Month Anniversary = 100 pound loss(almost)

[Guest guest]

Hello to all MGB friends!

TODAY is my 6 month anniversary of having the MGB!!! You will not believe

what a difference 6 months can make in your life!

I used to love to read the success stories when I was a pre-op, so now I am

writing mine. First of all, I need to confess that I am a few pounds short of

losing the 100 pounds noted in the headlines. HaHa. Sorry, but I have waited

so long to write this!

I set this goal for myself when I first began the process and I almost made

it. I had visualized being able to post the 100 pound loss in 6 months, but I

have lost 96 to be exact. I had lost 92 or 93 weeks ago so I thought I'd have

no problem, but the last three weeks I have plateaued and stayed almost the

same. I have lost pretty consistently until now, as I have had small plateaus

but none that lasted several weeks. So, I am hoping to get off of this one

soon because I still have 25 more pounds to lose!!

So, I joined this list last summer and did lots of research as I'm sure you

all have. Before I knew it I had been approved, done all my homework and was

on the operating table with Dr. Rutledge on 11/22/99. This happened to be the

week of Thanksgiving, so no frills for all the holidays!! It was amazing

losing weight over the holidays instead of gaining 10 pounds!

I was so very much at peace with the surgery. I honestly had no second

thoughts and I was not worried at all that something would happen. I just

knew that my quality of life was becoming unlivable. I hurt all the time, was

depressed and hated getting up to go to work everyday.

Now, 6 months later, I have a new job within the USPS, where I have been many

years. I'm up running around all day with NO hurting feet and I feel

absolutely wonderful!!!!! All aches and pains are gone except my

neck/shoulder which is primarily a work related injury. I am off at least 10

different medications and only take my Celebrex for my neck/shoulders, and I

wake every morning feeling refreshed and ready to start my day. All my

friends and family have noticed quite a change in my looks and attitude and

just glowing with happiness. I must tell you that 90% of the time I have lots

of energy, but occasionally I feel very tired. But, I felt very tired EVERY

day before the MGB! I was fortunate enough to have no problems after surgery,

only numbness on my upper thighs where they strap you onto the table. This

went away in a few weeks with walking all the time. The incontinence and

constant swelling/bloating were gone when I got out of the hospital!

I have gone from a 48 inch waist to 33 " this morning. I used to wear size

22/24 or 2x and I am now mostly in 12/14 and a few 16 depending on the maker.

I am going broke shopping!!!

My emotions have changed dramatically! I am now proud to go to my son's

school and sporting events because I no longer feel he will be made fun of

because of me. I feel so comfortable within my heart and skin. And yes,

people do treat you better. Sad to say, but it's true........although some of

this could be due to the happy vibes we present ourselves.

I sincerely want to thank Dr. Rutledge for being so competent and thorough

and a wonderful surgeon. Several of my friends here in Raleigh are trying to

get approval after seeing my results. I have met so many interesting and

wonderful people since joining this group and I will never forget you guys!

I will continually pray for all the new and soon to be post-ops. I don't

believe you will ever regret your decision to have the MGB!

I have pictures being developed right now and plan to post some as soon as I

get them back. Also, I will visit Amy in the hospital in the morning and plan

to go over to the clinic afterwards. Hope to meet some of you there!!!!

All my love,

in Raleigh

MGB 11/22/99 270

05/22/00 174

1st month -30 pounds

2nd month -17

3rd month -15

4th month -10

5th month -16

6th month - 6 more