9 months on the other side

[Guest guest]

Today I went to the doctor and weighed while I was there. Down 101 pounds.

Went on to the gym and weighed. Down 103 pounds there. I guess I can

finally and surely say " I HAVE LOST 100 POUNDS! " 101-103 pounds GONE, GONE,

GONE! Do I sound excited?

For those of you who are still on your way, let me say a few things. I have

lost these 100+ pounds in 9 months. I'm right in line with the averages. I

didn't lose a big lump in the beginning. My losses have been slow and

gradual. I have had more plateaus than I could ever imagine - and they've

sometimes been LONG ones. There have been times when I despaired of ever

catching up to the averages, I was losing so slowly. Then magically I would

have a drop and be in line again. My last plateau lasted 2 months (!) then

the last 12 pounds have dropped very quickly. Trying to measure your

progress on a day by day or even week by week basis is just a waste of time.

There's no way to predict what is going on with our bodies, there are so

many factors that affect the weight loss. Just know that it happens. Before

the MGB, when I got discouraged at a plateau, I started eating and regaining

the weight. Thanks to Dr. R, I can't do that to myself now. I'm just going

to keep on losing in fits and starts right on til I get it right! Patience

has never been my long suit, but my body is just going to lose when it wants

to and I have to just sit back and let it!

The MGB has been one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only am I 100+

pounds lighter, but my cholesterol and triglycerides are way down. My blood

pressure is very good. My energy and stamina are high. I am enjoying being

a semi-jock with a membership at the local wellness club that I actually

USE! It feels good to be strong and healthy. If I never lost another

pound, the changes in my life so far have been profound.

I'm one of the lucky ones who never had any problems. No vomiting, no

dumping, just life as usual or BETTER! I was careful to follow Dr. R's

recommendations for the first 2 weeks (then not so carefully for the next 6

weeks). I can eat anything I want, but just not as much. I am not living

on carrot sticks, but I do eat a lot healthier now. I'm not living on ice

cream and M & M's. Sugar has no attraction for me, now. Neither does grease.

This surgery has given me control of my life and my eating (eating WAS my

life).

I'm so grateful for Dr. R and his surgery. He has been so kind and

supportive even now, 9 months later. He is the only doctor I have ever

talked to who understands the social as well as physical problems of morbid

obesity. He is also the only doctor I know who doesn't blame all our weight

problems on lack of discipline. He knows that there are many factors that

contribute to overweight, and it is not a mental problem. My own PCP said

I'd never lose weight until I got my head straightened out. The only reason

I'm still going to her is to SHOW her she's WRONG!

To all of you hoping for this surgery, good luck. Be prepared to live life

to its fullest, because weight won't be holding you back any more!

Jane

12/27/99

315/210/150