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Posted
Posted

Sharon,

What a wonderful story you life is! It sounds like a

dream come true to really enjoy exerise and even crave

it. I hope I too can enjoy the same success you've

achieved. Thanks for sharing, Angel

--- " Sharon E. Snyder " sharon@...> wrote:

> Hi, all.

>

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS):

> April 17, 1991.

>

> When I waddled into the OR 10 years ago today, I was

> 22 years old

> (barely) and weighed 320 lbs. I'd been overweight

> and obese and clinically

> morbidly obese and then clinically supermorbidly

> obese for my whole

> life. My first dieting experience that was noted was

> Overeaters Anonymous

> when I was 5 years old. At my intake appointment

> with my pediatrician when

> I was 18 months old, under " eating habits " my mother

> noted " always wants

> to eat. " I suspect I had an undiagnosed satiety

> disorder.

>

> I felt trapped and limited by that awkward

> supersized body. I still

> exercised (loved to swim) and did my best to eat

> sensibly and

> nutritiously, but as I dieted and dieted, the pounds

> (when I did manage to

> lose them) continued to pile on. I was terrified for

> my future because I

> believed I would continue to gain and gain.

>

> So, 18 months after my mother had her BPD, I had

> mine. I had borderline

> high cholesterol, the early signs of gallbladder

> disease, and a family

> history of high blood pressure and diabetes (though

> at 22 my blood

> pressure was fine and I didn't yet have diabetes),

> dyspepnia on exertion,

> and an irregular menstrual cycle.

>

> Because I was so young and an avid exerciser (swam a

> mile a day most days

> and also did water aerobics), my recovery was easy

> and fairly rapid. I

> left the hospital in four days -- standard hospital

> stay at that time for

> that procedure was 5-7 days (my Mom was in for 7). I

> stayed with my Mom

> for a couple of weeks and let her baby me before

> moving back to my own

> walk-up apartment. At my 3-week appointment, my

> surgeon said I could go

> back to work right away, but I told him I wanted to

> take another week off

> (and he'd said I could) because I wanted to find a

> new job. And so I

> did. And a few weeks after that, I moved 120 miles

> away from San Diego to

> my college town. And two years after that, I moved

> to the SF Bay Area,

> where I still reside.

>

> I lost 100 lbs in that first year, and stopped

> losing after that. My

> actual weight loss, or the fact that I was still

> large-sized (size

> 18-20) was never an issue for me -- I was grateful

> to no longer be

> morbidly obese or fear becoming MO again. I joined a

> Master's Swim team

> and started doing competitive swimming.

>

> About 7 years out, I noted that I'd had a slight

> weight regain: instead of

> 220 lbs, my range was 230-240. Which was actually

> fine with me.

>

> About a year and a half ago, I started paying

> attention to some niggling

> chronic health concerns: frequent diarrhea and gas,

> athlete's foot,

> frequent halitosis, an anal fissure that wouldn't

> heal, and dark circles

> under my eyes. I simplified my diet and limited it

> to flesh protein

> (mostly chicken, fish, eggs, turkey) and vegetables,

> nuts, seeds,

> herbs. Nothing processed and absolutely no dairy or

> wheat (eliminated

> nearly all grains except for millet, quinoa, and

> brown rice). Amazing to

> me, I quickly lost 30 lbs and have continued to

> slowly lose another 10,

> bringing my weight down to just below 200 lbs --

> 198. Before surgery I was

> pushing the outer limits of Lane sizes

> (26/28/30). A year and a

> half ago, I wore a size 20/22. Today I wear a size

> 14/16 and those are

> getting pretty loose.

>

> Last year I was diagnosed (finally!) with severe

> anemia, which was quickly

> resolved with a series of iron infusions. I also

> re-established contact

> with my surgeon (Wittgrove of Alvarado), and have

> also seen Dr. Rabkin for

> after care (since he's closer to home and covered by

> my insurance). I

> consulted with him last week for a wee hernia I've

> given myself from doing

> intense abdominal workouts.

>

> I also started taking supplements that are designed

> for malabsorbers which

> I absorb much better than the Costco-brand

> supplements I'd been

> taking. All of my blood levels are currently stable

> and in the normal

> range. Hallelujah.

>

> I'm continuing to slowly lose weight, much to my

> surprise and amazement

> -- and shock at times: I'm currently at my lowest

> adult weight -- I've

> never been this " small " as an adult and the change

> is taking some

> adjustment, since it's so unexpected this far out.

>

> Since regaining my health last year, I've also

> ramped up my exercise

> program and am now training for a triathlon, which I

> plan on completing in

> the Fall (unless I end up needing to postpone that

> for a hernia repair --

> which at this point seems unlikely). I hope it

> doesn't sound too boastful

> to say that I am the picture of health and am often

> complimented on my

> healthy glow. It's a new joy to be complimented on

> my athleticism: last

> week my swim coach told me that if i were an

> undergraduate, she'd be

> recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when

> she said that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an

> ATHLETE -- and not as the

> little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Wherever you are in your process, I wish you the

> best: the best care, the

> best of luck and health.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

> sharon@...

> Open BPD, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, San Diego, CA

> 320 lbs then, 198 lbs now

>

http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Sharon/sharon.html

>

>

>

>

>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

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Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Sharon,

What a wonderful story you life is! It sounds like a

dream come true to really enjoy exerise and even crave

it. I hope I too can enjoy the same success you've

achieved. Thanks for sharing, Angel

--- " Sharon E. Snyder " sharon@...> wrote:

> Hi, all.

>

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS):

> April 17, 1991.

>

> When I waddled into the OR 10 years ago today, I was

> 22 years old

> (barely) and weighed 320 lbs. I'd been overweight

> and obese and clinically

> morbidly obese and then clinically supermorbidly

> obese for my whole

> life. My first dieting experience that was noted was

> Overeaters Anonymous

> when I was 5 years old. At my intake appointment

> with my pediatrician when

> I was 18 months old, under " eating habits " my mother

> noted " always wants

> to eat. " I suspect I had an undiagnosed satiety

> disorder.

>

> I felt trapped and limited by that awkward

> supersized body. I still

> exercised (loved to swim) and did my best to eat

> sensibly and

> nutritiously, but as I dieted and dieted, the pounds

> (when I did manage to

> lose them) continued to pile on. I was terrified for

> my future because I

> believed I would continue to gain and gain.

>

> So, 18 months after my mother had her BPD, I had

> mine. I had borderline

> high cholesterol, the early signs of gallbladder

> disease, and a family

> history of high blood pressure and diabetes (though

> at 22 my blood

> pressure was fine and I didn't yet have diabetes),

> dyspepnia on exertion,

> and an irregular menstrual cycle.

>

> Because I was so young and an avid exerciser (swam a

> mile a day most days

> and also did water aerobics), my recovery was easy

> and fairly rapid. I

> left the hospital in four days -- standard hospital

> stay at that time for

> that procedure was 5-7 days (my Mom was in for 7). I

> stayed with my Mom

> for a couple of weeks and let her baby me before

> moving back to my own

> walk-up apartment. At my 3-week appointment, my

> surgeon said I could go

> back to work right away, but I told him I wanted to

> take another week off

> (and he'd said I could) because I wanted to find a

> new job. And so I

> did. And a few weeks after that, I moved 120 miles

> away from San Diego to

> my college town. And two years after that, I moved

> to the SF Bay Area,

> where I still reside.

>

> I lost 100 lbs in that first year, and stopped

> losing after that. My

> actual weight loss, or the fact that I was still

> large-sized (size

> 18-20) was never an issue for me -- I was grateful

> to no longer be

> morbidly obese or fear becoming MO again. I joined a

> Master's Swim team

> and started doing competitive swimming.

>

> About 7 years out, I noted that I'd had a slight

> weight regain: instead of

> 220 lbs, my range was 230-240. Which was actually

> fine with me.

>

> About a year and a half ago, I started paying

> attention to some niggling

> chronic health concerns: frequent diarrhea and gas,

> athlete's foot,

> frequent halitosis, an anal fissure that wouldn't

> heal, and dark circles

> under my eyes. I simplified my diet and limited it

> to flesh protein

> (mostly chicken, fish, eggs, turkey) and vegetables,

> nuts, seeds,

> herbs. Nothing processed and absolutely no dairy or

> wheat (eliminated

> nearly all grains except for millet, quinoa, and

> brown rice). Amazing to

> me, I quickly lost 30 lbs and have continued to

> slowly lose another 10,

> bringing my weight down to just below 200 lbs --

> 198. Before surgery I was

> pushing the outer limits of Lane sizes

> (26/28/30). A year and a

> half ago, I wore a size 20/22. Today I wear a size

> 14/16 and those are

> getting pretty loose.

>

> Last year I was diagnosed (finally!) with severe

> anemia, which was quickly

> resolved with a series of iron infusions. I also

> re-established contact

> with my surgeon (Wittgrove of Alvarado), and have

> also seen Dr. Rabkin for

> after care (since he's closer to home and covered by

> my insurance). I

> consulted with him last week for a wee hernia I've

> given myself from doing

> intense abdominal workouts.

>

> I also started taking supplements that are designed

> for malabsorbers which

> I absorb much better than the Costco-brand

> supplements I'd been

> taking. All of my blood levels are currently stable

> and in the normal

> range. Hallelujah.

>

> I'm continuing to slowly lose weight, much to my

> surprise and amazement

> -- and shock at times: I'm currently at my lowest

> adult weight -- I've

> never been this " small " as an adult and the change

> is taking some

> adjustment, since it's so unexpected this far out.

>

> Since regaining my health last year, I've also

> ramped up my exercise

> program and am now training for a triathlon, which I

> plan on completing in

> the Fall (unless I end up needing to postpone that

> for a hernia repair --

> which at this point seems unlikely). I hope it

> doesn't sound too boastful

> to say that I am the picture of health and am often

> complimented on my

> healthy glow. It's a new joy to be complimented on

> my athleticism: last

> week my swim coach told me that if i were an

> undergraduate, she'd be

> recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when

> she said that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an

> ATHLETE -- and not as the

> little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Wherever you are in your process, I wish you the

> best: the best care, the

> best of luck and health.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

> sharon@...

> Open BPD, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, San Diego, CA

> 320 lbs then, 198 lbs now

>

http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Sharon/sharon.html

>

>

>

>

>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Sharon,

What a wonderful story you life is! It sounds like a

dream come true to really enjoy exerise and even crave

it. I hope I too can enjoy the same success you've

achieved. Thanks for sharing, Angel

--- " Sharon E. Snyder " sharon@...> wrote:

> Hi, all.

>

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS):

> April 17, 1991.

>

> When I waddled into the OR 10 years ago today, I was

> 22 years old

> (barely) and weighed 320 lbs. I'd been overweight

> and obese and clinically

> morbidly obese and then clinically supermorbidly

> obese for my whole

> life. My first dieting experience that was noted was

> Overeaters Anonymous

> when I was 5 years old. At my intake appointment

> with my pediatrician when

> I was 18 months old, under " eating habits " my mother

> noted " always wants

> to eat. " I suspect I had an undiagnosed satiety

> disorder.

>

> I felt trapped and limited by that awkward

> supersized body. I still

> exercised (loved to swim) and did my best to eat

> sensibly and

> nutritiously, but as I dieted and dieted, the pounds

> (when I did manage to

> lose them) continued to pile on. I was terrified for

> my future because I

> believed I would continue to gain and gain.

>

> So, 18 months after my mother had her BPD, I had

> mine. I had borderline

> high cholesterol, the early signs of gallbladder

> disease, and a family

> history of high blood pressure and diabetes (though

> at 22 my blood

> pressure was fine and I didn't yet have diabetes),

> dyspepnia on exertion,

> and an irregular menstrual cycle.

>

> Because I was so young and an avid exerciser (swam a

> mile a day most days

> and also did water aerobics), my recovery was easy

> and fairly rapid. I

> left the hospital in four days -- standard hospital

> stay at that time for

> that procedure was 5-7 days (my Mom was in for 7). I

> stayed with my Mom

> for a couple of weeks and let her baby me before

> moving back to my own

> walk-up apartment. At my 3-week appointment, my

> surgeon said I could go

> back to work right away, but I told him I wanted to

> take another week off

> (and he'd said I could) because I wanted to find a

> new job. And so I

> did. And a few weeks after that, I moved 120 miles

> away from San Diego to

> my college town. And two years after that, I moved

> to the SF Bay Area,

> where I still reside.

>

> I lost 100 lbs in that first year, and stopped

> losing after that. My

> actual weight loss, or the fact that I was still

> large-sized (size

> 18-20) was never an issue for me -- I was grateful

> to no longer be

> morbidly obese or fear becoming MO again. I joined a

> Master's Swim team

> and started doing competitive swimming.

>

> About 7 years out, I noted that I'd had a slight

> weight regain: instead of

> 220 lbs, my range was 230-240. Which was actually

> fine with me.

>

> About a year and a half ago, I started paying

> attention to some niggling

> chronic health concerns: frequent diarrhea and gas,

> athlete's foot,

> frequent halitosis, an anal fissure that wouldn't

> heal, and dark circles

> under my eyes. I simplified my diet and limited it

> to flesh protein

> (mostly chicken, fish, eggs, turkey) and vegetables,

> nuts, seeds,

> herbs. Nothing processed and absolutely no dairy or

> wheat (eliminated

> nearly all grains except for millet, quinoa, and

> brown rice). Amazing to

> me, I quickly lost 30 lbs and have continued to

> slowly lose another 10,

> bringing my weight down to just below 200 lbs --

> 198. Before surgery I was

> pushing the outer limits of Lane sizes

> (26/28/30). A year and a

> half ago, I wore a size 20/22. Today I wear a size

> 14/16 and those are

> getting pretty loose.

>

> Last year I was diagnosed (finally!) with severe

> anemia, which was quickly

> resolved with a series of iron infusions. I also

> re-established contact

> with my surgeon (Wittgrove of Alvarado), and have

> also seen Dr. Rabkin for

> after care (since he's closer to home and covered by

> my insurance). I

> consulted with him last week for a wee hernia I've

> given myself from doing

> intense abdominal workouts.

>

> I also started taking supplements that are designed

> for malabsorbers which

> I absorb much better than the Costco-brand

> supplements I'd been

> taking. All of my blood levels are currently stable

> and in the normal

> range. Hallelujah.

>

> I'm continuing to slowly lose weight, much to my

> surprise and amazement

> -- and shock at times: I'm currently at my lowest

> adult weight -- I've

> never been this " small " as an adult and the change

> is taking some

> adjustment, since it's so unexpected this far out.

>

> Since regaining my health last year, I've also

> ramped up my exercise

> program and am now training for a triathlon, which I

> plan on completing in

> the Fall (unless I end up needing to postpone that

> for a hernia repair --

> which at this point seems unlikely). I hope it

> doesn't sound too boastful

> to say that I am the picture of health and am often

> complimented on my

> healthy glow. It's a new joy to be complimented on

> my athleticism: last

> week my swim coach told me that if i were an

> undergraduate, she'd be

> recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when

> she said that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an

> ATHLETE -- and not as the

> little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Wherever you are in your process, I wish you the

> best: the best care, the

> best of luck and health.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

> sharon@...

> Open BPD, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, San Diego, CA

> 320 lbs then, 198 lbs now

>

http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Sharon/sharon.html

>

>

>

>

>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

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Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Sharon,

Thank you for your incredible post. I always love reading your posts.

Yours and 's were a couple of the first BPD(DS) stories that I

read and I will always remember what an inspiration you are to me.

Here I am almost 3 mos post-op and 58LBS lighter. My new healthy life

is just beginning. Thanks again for the update. BTW, it looks like we

switched places. I now live in San Diego but I grew up in Costa Mesa.

Dr Lap LG/DS 1/23/01

268 BMI 42

210 BMI 33

> Hi, all.

>

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS): April 17, 1991.

>

> When I waddled into the OR 10 years ago today, I was 22 years old

> (barely) and weighed 320 lbs. I'd been overweight and obese and

clinically

> morbidly obese and then clinically supermorbidly obese for my whole

> life. My first dieting experience that was noted was Overeaters

Anonymous

> when I was 5 years old. At my intake appointment with my

pediatrician when

> I was 18 months old, under " eating habits " my mother noted " always

wants

> to eat. " I suspect I had an undiagnosed satiety disorder.

>

> I felt trapped and limited by that awkward supersized body. I still

> exercised (loved to swim) and did my best to eat sensibly and

> nutritiously, but as I dieted and dieted, the pounds (when I did

manage to

> lose them) continued to pile on. I was terrified for my future

because I

> believed I would continue to gain and gain.

>

> So, 18 months after my mother had her BPD, I had mine. I had

borderline

> high cholesterol, the early signs of gallbladder disease, and a

family

> history of high blood pressure and diabetes (though at 22 my blood

> pressure was fine and I didn't yet have diabetes), dyspepnia on

exertion,

> and an irregular menstrual cycle.

>

> Because I was so young and an avid exerciser (swam a mile a day

most days

> and also did water aerobics), my recovery was easy and fairly

rapid. I

> left the hospital in four days -- standard hospital stay at that

time for

> that procedure was 5-7 days (my Mom was in for 7). I stayed with my

Mom

> for a couple of weeks and let her baby me before moving back to my

own

> walk-up apartment. At my 3-week appointment, my surgeon said I

could go

> back to work right away, but I told him I wanted to take another

week off

> (and he'd said I could) because I wanted to find a new job. And so I

> did. And a few weeks after that, I moved 120 miles away from San

Diego to

> my college town. And two years after that, I moved to the SF Bay

Area,

> where I still reside.

>

> I lost 100 lbs in that first year, and stopped losing after that. My

> actual weight loss, or the fact that I was still large-sized (size

> 18-20) was never an issue for me -- I was grateful to no longer be

> morbidly obese or fear becoming MO again. I joined a Master's Swim

team

> and started doing competitive swimming.

>

> About 7 years out, I noted that I'd had a slight weight regain:

instead of

> 220 lbs, my range was 230-240. Which was actually fine with me.

>

> About a year and a half ago, I started paying attention to some

niggling

> chronic health concerns: frequent diarrhea and gas, athlete's foot,

> frequent halitosis, an anal fissure that wouldn't heal, and dark

circles

> under my eyes. I simplified my diet and limited it to flesh protein

> (mostly chicken, fish, eggs, turkey) and vegetables, nuts, seeds,

> herbs. Nothing processed and absolutely no dairy or wheat

(eliminated

> nearly all grains except for millet, quinoa, and brown rice).

Amazing to

> me, I quickly lost 30 lbs and have continued to slowly lose another

10,

> bringing my weight down to just below 200 lbs -- 198. Before

surgery I was

> pushing the outer limits of Lane sizes (26/28/30). A year

and a

> half ago, I wore a size 20/22. Today I wear a size 14/16 and those

are

> getting pretty loose.

>

> Last year I was diagnosed (finally!) with severe anemia, which was

quickly

> resolved with a series of iron infusions. I also re-established

contact

> with my surgeon (Wittgrove of Alvarado), and have also seen Dr.

Rabkin for

> after care (since he's closer to home and covered by my insurance).

I

> consulted with him last week for a wee hernia I've given myself

from doing

> intense abdominal workouts.

>

> I also started taking supplements that are designed for

malabsorbers which

> I absorb much better than the Costco-brand supplements I'd been

> taking. All of my blood levels are currently stable and in the

normal

> range. Hallelujah.

>

> I'm continuing to slowly lose weight, much to my surprise and

amazement

> -- and shock at times: I'm currently at my lowest adult weight --

I've

> never been this " small " as an adult and the change is taking some

> adjustment, since it's so unexpected this far out.

>

> Since regaining my health last year, I've also ramped up my exercise

> program and am now training for a triathlon, which I plan on

completing in

> the Fall (unless I end up needing to postpone that for a hernia

repair --

> which at this point seems unlikely). I hope it doesn't sound too

boastful

> to say that I am the picture of health and am often complimented on

my

> healthy glow. It's a new joy to be complimented on my athleticism:

last

> week my swim coach told me that if i were an undergraduate, she'd be

> recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when she said that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an ATHLETE -- and not as

the

> little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Wherever you are in your process, I wish you the best: the best

care, the

> best of luck and health.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

> sharon@M...

> Open BPD, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, San Diego, CA

> 320 lbs then, 198 lbs now

> http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Sharon/sharon.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Sharon,

Thank you for your incredible post. I always love reading your posts.

Yours and 's were a couple of the first BPD(DS) stories that I

read and I will always remember what an inspiration you are to me.

Here I am almost 3 mos post-op and 58LBS lighter. My new healthy life

is just beginning. Thanks again for the update. BTW, it looks like we

switched places. I now live in San Diego but I grew up in Costa Mesa.

Dr Lap LG/DS 1/23/01

268 BMI 42

210 BMI 33

> Hi, all.

>

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS): April 17, 1991.

>

> When I waddled into the OR 10 years ago today, I was 22 years old

> (barely) and weighed 320 lbs. I'd been overweight and obese and

clinically

> morbidly obese and then clinically supermorbidly obese for my whole

> life. My first dieting experience that was noted was Overeaters

Anonymous

> when I was 5 years old. At my intake appointment with my

pediatrician when

> I was 18 months old, under " eating habits " my mother noted " always

wants

> to eat. " I suspect I had an undiagnosed satiety disorder.

>

> I felt trapped and limited by that awkward supersized body. I still

> exercised (loved to swim) and did my best to eat sensibly and

> nutritiously, but as I dieted and dieted, the pounds (when I did

manage to

> lose them) continued to pile on. I was terrified for my future

because I

> believed I would continue to gain and gain.

>

> So, 18 months after my mother had her BPD, I had mine. I had

borderline

> high cholesterol, the early signs of gallbladder disease, and a

family

> history of high blood pressure and diabetes (though at 22 my blood

> pressure was fine and I didn't yet have diabetes), dyspepnia on

exertion,

> and an irregular menstrual cycle.

>

> Because I was so young and an avid exerciser (swam a mile a day

most days

> and also did water aerobics), my recovery was easy and fairly

rapid. I

> left the hospital in four days -- standard hospital stay at that

time for

> that procedure was 5-7 days (my Mom was in for 7). I stayed with my

Mom

> for a couple of weeks and let her baby me before moving back to my

own

> walk-up apartment. At my 3-week appointment, my surgeon said I

could go

> back to work right away, but I told him I wanted to take another

week off

> (and he'd said I could) because I wanted to find a new job. And so I

> did. And a few weeks after that, I moved 120 miles away from San

Diego to

> my college town. And two years after that, I moved to the SF Bay

Area,

> where I still reside.

>

> I lost 100 lbs in that first year, and stopped losing after that. My

> actual weight loss, or the fact that I was still large-sized (size

> 18-20) was never an issue for me -- I was grateful to no longer be

> morbidly obese or fear becoming MO again. I joined a Master's Swim

team

> and started doing competitive swimming.

>

> About 7 years out, I noted that I'd had a slight weight regain:

instead of

> 220 lbs, my range was 230-240. Which was actually fine with me.

>

> About a year and a half ago, I started paying attention to some

niggling

> chronic health concerns: frequent diarrhea and gas, athlete's foot,

> frequent halitosis, an anal fissure that wouldn't heal, and dark

circles

> under my eyes. I simplified my diet and limited it to flesh protein

> (mostly chicken, fish, eggs, turkey) and vegetables, nuts, seeds,

> herbs. Nothing processed and absolutely no dairy or wheat

(eliminated

> nearly all grains except for millet, quinoa, and brown rice).

Amazing to

> me, I quickly lost 30 lbs and have continued to slowly lose another

10,

> bringing my weight down to just below 200 lbs -- 198. Before

surgery I was

> pushing the outer limits of Lane sizes (26/28/30). A year

and a

> half ago, I wore a size 20/22. Today I wear a size 14/16 and those

are

> getting pretty loose.

>

> Last year I was diagnosed (finally!) with severe anemia, which was

quickly

> resolved with a series of iron infusions. I also re-established

contact

> with my surgeon (Wittgrove of Alvarado), and have also seen Dr.

Rabkin for

> after care (since he's closer to home and covered by my insurance).

I

> consulted with him last week for a wee hernia I've given myself

from doing

> intense abdominal workouts.

>

> I also started taking supplements that are designed for

malabsorbers which

> I absorb much better than the Costco-brand supplements I'd been

> taking. All of my blood levels are currently stable and in the

normal

> range. Hallelujah.

>

> I'm continuing to slowly lose weight, much to my surprise and

amazement

> -- and shock at times: I'm currently at my lowest adult weight --

I've

> never been this " small " as an adult and the change is taking some

> adjustment, since it's so unexpected this far out.

>

> Since regaining my health last year, I've also ramped up my exercise

> program and am now training for a triathlon, which I plan on

completing in

> the Fall (unless I end up needing to postpone that for a hernia

repair --

> which at this point seems unlikely). I hope it doesn't sound too

boastful

> to say that I am the picture of health and am often complimented on

my

> healthy glow. It's a new joy to be complimented on my athleticism:

last

> week my swim coach told me that if i were an undergraduate, she'd be

> recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when she said that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an ATHLETE -- and not as

the

> little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Wherever you are in your process, I wish you the best: the best

care, the

> best of luck and health.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

> sharon@M...

> Open BPD, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, San Diego, CA

> 320 lbs then, 198 lbs now

> http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Sharon/sharon.html

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Posted
Posted

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS): April 17,

1991.

> I joined a Master's Swim team and started doing competitive

swimming.

>

>Since regaining my health last year, I've also ramped up my

exercise program and am now training for a triathlon, which I

plan on completing in the Fall

>

>It's a new joy to be complimented on my athleticism: last week

my swim coach told me that if i were an undergraduate, she'd be

recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when she said

that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an ATHLETE -- and

not as the little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

Sharon,

Congrats on your achievements! 8-D

I'm so happy for you. When I was much smaller than I am now, I

used to swim 1/2 mile every single morning. The last time I tried

swimming from one end to the other of a pool I nearly drowned!

What a shock that was. Your description of your own wonderful

swimming accomplishments gives me encouragment.

It's particularly good to hear how you've done because critics of

WLS claim there are 'no long term results'. Well you are proof

that there are and the results are good.

Thanks for sharing.

hugs,

gobo

DS pre-op

BMI 55.5

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Posted
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> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS): April 17,

1991.

> I joined a Master's Swim team and started doing competitive

swimming.

>

>Since regaining my health last year, I've also ramped up my

exercise program and am now training for a triathlon, which I

plan on completing in the Fall

>

>It's a new joy to be complimented on my athleticism: last week

my swim coach told me that if i were an undergraduate, she'd be

recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when she said

that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an ATHLETE -- and

not as the little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

Sharon,

Congrats on your achievements! 8-D

I'm so happy for you. When I was much smaller than I am now, I

used to swim 1/2 mile every single morning. The last time I tried

swimming from one end to the other of a pool I nearly drowned!

What a shock that was. Your description of your own wonderful

swimming accomplishments gives me encouragment.

It's particularly good to hear how you've done because critics of

WLS claim there are 'no long term results'. Well you are proof

that there are and the results are good.

Thanks for sharing.

hugs,

gobo

DS pre-op

BMI 55.5

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Posted
Posted

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS): April 17,

1991.

> I joined a Master's Swim team and started doing competitive

swimming.

>

>Since regaining my health last year, I've also ramped up my

exercise program and am now training for a triathlon, which I

plan on completing in the Fall

>

>It's a new joy to be complimented on my athleticism: last week

my swim coach told me that if i were an undergraduate, she'd be

recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when she said

that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an ATHLETE -- and

not as the little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

Sharon,

Congrats on your achievements! 8-D

I'm so happy for you. When I was much smaller than I am now, I

used to swim 1/2 mile every single morning. The last time I tried

swimming from one end to the other of a pool I nearly drowned!

What a shock that was. Your description of your own wonderful

swimming accomplishments gives me encouragment.

It's particularly good to hear how you've done because critics of

WLS claim there are 'no long term results'. Well you are proof

that there are and the results are good.

Thanks for sharing.

hugs,

gobo

DS pre-op

BMI 55.5

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Hi Sharon,

This is Brigid we had lunch while you were here in San Diego. I

can attest for you that you do look like the picture of health. I

think you look fab and are a true testament that this surgery can

work LONG term. It is so important for us to hear from you since

basically you are the farthest one out on this list if I remember

correctly. You are a pioneer of this surgery.

To us you make our future a reality. Yes, we will be alive, well,

vibrant, healthy, active, and keeping the weight off even 10 years

from now! For many of us we know how to lose weight as a matter of

fact we've all probably lost 100's of pounds before this surgery.

THe problem was and still is gaining the weight back. That is the

proof you are to us. Even though you have had some troubles along

the way you are doing great now and you are the proof that guess what

gang this time....we're going to keep it off.

I just want you to know how important it is for us to keep up with

you! Your the light at the end of the tunnel for many! So keep

shining there girlfriend your light gets brighter and brighter:)

sincerely,

Brigid

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Hi Sharon,

This is Brigid we had lunch while you were here in San Diego. I

can attest for you that you do look like the picture of health. I

think you look fab and are a true testament that this surgery can

work LONG term. It is so important for us to hear from you since

basically you are the farthest one out on this list if I remember

correctly. You are a pioneer of this surgery.

To us you make our future a reality. Yes, we will be alive, well,

vibrant, healthy, active, and keeping the weight off even 10 years

from now! For many of us we know how to lose weight as a matter of

fact we've all probably lost 100's of pounds before this surgery.

THe problem was and still is gaining the weight back. That is the

proof you are to us. Even though you have had some troubles along

the way you are doing great now and you are the proof that guess what

gang this time....we're going to keep it off.

I just want you to know how important it is for us to keep up with

you! Your the light at the end of the tunnel for many! So keep

shining there girlfriend your light gets brighter and brighter:)

sincerely,

Brigid

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Posted

Hi Sharon,

This is Brigid we had lunch while you were here in San Diego. I

can attest for you that you do look like the picture of health. I

think you look fab and are a true testament that this surgery can

work LONG term. It is so important for us to hear from you since

basically you are the farthest one out on this list if I remember

correctly. You are a pioneer of this surgery.

To us you make our future a reality. Yes, we will be alive, well,

vibrant, healthy, active, and keeping the weight off even 10 years

from now! For many of us we know how to lose weight as a matter of

fact we've all probably lost 100's of pounds before this surgery.

THe problem was and still is gaining the weight back. That is the

proof you are to us. Even though you have had some troubles along

the way you are doing great now and you are the proof that guess what

gang this time....we're going to keep it off.

I just want you to know how important it is for us to keep up with

you! Your the light at the end of the tunnel for many! So keep

shining there girlfriend your light gets brighter and brighter:)

sincerely,

Brigid

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Sharon, it is so good to have you here to give us the strength to know that in 10 years time we too will have the opportunity to be living the wonderful life that awaits us after WLS. You really inspire me, and reassure me that making such a drastic decision is the right thing for my future health.

Have fun with your swimming - (my favourite sport) and I know that we all are waiting to see how your triathlon training progresses.

HUGS Louise :D

Louise in Sydney Australia

Pre-Op 262 - BMI 44

Waiting - Open BPD/DS ~ 5/11/01

Dr Ritchie

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Sharon, it is so good to have you here to give us the strength to know that in 10 years time we too will have the opportunity to be living the wonderful life that awaits us after WLS. You really inspire me, and reassure me that making such a drastic decision is the right thing for my future health.

Have fun with your swimming - (my favourite sport) and I know that we all are waiting to see how your triathlon training progresses.

HUGS Louise :D

Louise in Sydney Australia

Pre-Op 262 - BMI 44

Waiting - Open BPD/DS ~ 5/11/01

Dr Ritchie

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Sharon, it is so good to have you here to give us the strength to know that in 10 years time we too will have the opportunity to be living the wonderful life that awaits us after WLS. You really inspire me, and reassure me that making such a drastic decision is the right thing for my future health.

Have fun with your swimming - (my favourite sport) and I know that we all are waiting to see how your triathlon training progresses.

HUGS Louise :D

Louise in Sydney Australia

Pre-Op 262 - BMI 44

Waiting - Open BPD/DS ~ 5/11/01

Dr Ritchie

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--- " Sharon E. Snyder " sharon@...> wrote:

> Hi, all.

>

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS): April

> 17, 1991.

>

> When I waddled into the OR 10 years ago today, I was 22

> years old

> (barely) and weighed 320 lbs. ..... It's a new joy to be

complimented on my

> athleticism: last

> week my swim coach told me that if i were an

> undergraduate, she'd be

> recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when she

> said that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an ATHLETE --

> and not as the

> little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Wherever you are in your process, I wish you the best:

> the best care, the

> best of luck and health.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

> sharon@...

> Open BPD, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, San Diego, CA

> 320 lbs then, 198 lbs now

> http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Sharon/sharon.html

>

YAZOO! WHat a great story! Congrats on getting your health

back and your weight back down! Thank you! I have been

hoping to hear from long time patients on this list while I

wait for approval and fret about unintended consequences.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Nan E., pre-op, BMI 70,

386 and 5'2 " And wanting to dance again.

__________________________________________________

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--- " Sharon E. Snyder " sharon@...> wrote:

> Hi, all.

>

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS): April

> 17, 1991.

>

> When I waddled into the OR 10 years ago today, I was 22

> years old

> (barely) and weighed 320 lbs. ..... It's a new joy to be

complimented on my

> athleticism: last

> week my swim coach told me that if i were an

> undergraduate, she'd be

> recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when she

> said that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an ATHLETE --

> and not as the

> little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Wherever you are in your process, I wish you the best:

> the best care, the

> best of luck and health.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

> sharon@...

> Open BPD, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, San Diego, CA

> 320 lbs then, 198 lbs now

> http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Sharon/sharon.html

>

YAZOO! WHat a great story! Congrats on getting your health

back and your weight back down! Thank you! I have been

hoping to hear from long time patients on this list while I

wait for approval and fret about unintended consequences.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Nan E., pre-op, BMI 70,

386 and 5'2 " And wanting to dance again.

__________________________________________________

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--- " Sharon E. Snyder " sharon@...> wrote:

> Hi, all.

>

> Today is the 10-year anniversary of my BPD (no DS): April

> 17, 1991.

>

> When I waddled into the OR 10 years ago today, I was 22

> years old

> (barely) and weighed 320 lbs. ..... It's a new joy to be

complimented on my

> athleticism: last

> week my swim coach told me that if i were an

> undergraduate, she'd be

> recruiting me for the swim team! I nearly wept when she

> said that --

> that's the first time someone's seen me as an ATHLETE --

> and not as the

> little fat girl struggling to keep up.

>

> Wherever you are in your process, I wish you the best:

> the best care, the

> best of luck and health.

>

> Warmly,

>

> Sharon

> sharon@...

> Open BPD, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, San Diego, CA

> 320 lbs then, 198 lbs now

> http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Sharon/sharon.html

>

YAZOO! WHat a great story! Congrats on getting your health

back and your weight back down! Thank you! I have been

hoping to hear from long time patients on this list while I

wait for approval and fret about unintended consequences.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Nan E., pre-op, BMI 70,

386 and 5'2 " And wanting to dance again.

__________________________________________________

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Hi Sharon... what an inspiration you are. I am 6 days post op and

hearing your story is sweet music to my ears. I had the diabetes and

the high cholesterol and high triglicyrides and hope that that will

go away in time. I have a question for you regarding the

" supplements that are designed for malabsorbers " . Could you be more

specific on the vitamins and do you have to chew them? (I m already

tired of the childrens chewables)

Thanks again for your time in telling your story. It has brightened

my day knowing someone who had the surgery 10 years ago is doing so

well.

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