Who's had the surgery?
How was the process for you?
Are you glad you had it?
Did you opt for the plastic surgery post Bypass?
Who has considered it?
This time last year I considered gastric bypass, then changed my mind a little later to considering the lap band procedure.
Reason being, in order to even be considered for the kidney transplant list, I needed to lose a total of 100 lbs. That seemed so unrealistic to me that I thought that surgery was my only answer.
Rewind to Thanksgiving 2007. My boss challenged the staff to a Fit Club type contest. Everyone who participated paid a fee of $10 and had to weigh in with the most honest/most secretive employee and whoever lost the most weight at the end of the contest won the money.
I was amped about winning, but I really didn't think I could do it. After all, I'd tried losing weight so many times and never lost more than 10 and before I knew it, that 10 would be right back.
Well this time I didn't "diet", I changed my eating habits. I still hit Mickey D's almost daily, but instead of a value meal, I'd order a grilled chicken Caesar salad or a fish sandwich and a fruit & walnut salad or if I felt the need to have a "complete" meal, I'd order a Happy Meal.
I did eat Smart Ones for lunch, accompanied with some extra vegetables (that stuff don't make you full and you know it!) and lo and behold, I started losing weight!
I was still working at the Y at the time, so I had free access to the women's health center, the nautilus room and water aerobics classes and at the final weigh-in, I'd lost a total of 25 lbs and won the money!
Fast forward to February of this year. The doctor scheduled the surgery to have the fistula put in my arm because my kidneys showed no signs of getting healthier. I found out that in March, our insurance would change, to include surgical weight loss options, with a co-pay of $5000 and again I considered it.
Then I got a real strong case of vanity because I couldn't imagine being happy at say 150 lbs. with all the fatty flab hanging, especially when the removal of that is considered cosmetic and not covered under my policy. So I didn't.
Fast forward yet again, to July 2008. I began dialysis and miraculously lost 25 lbs. in the first month. I had to adhere to an even stricter diet than before and the end result was favorable even without me trying.
I believe I have plateaued because I've been at a steady weight now for about 3 weeks.
Honestly, the first 50 was a snap. I know this second 50 will be some work, especially since the winter months will be here soon.
I'm up for it.
Have you lost a considerable amount of weight (25 or more)?
Hell, have you lost a minimal amount of weight? How did you do it?
Here's your chance to brag!
