Linda's Weight Loss Surgery Success Story

Lost 90 Pounds

At 58 years old, I am well on my way to being a much healthier person than I have been in more than 30 years! My story is not as remarkable as most, but for me personally it has been huge. I have always had to watch my weight but after having my two wonderful children, my metabolism seemed to go totally dormant and my real weight issues continued to climb. I, as most, have tried every diet known to man. I've lost hundreds of pounds only to gain them back plus.

Three years ago, when I added Diabetes to my medical history in addition to cholesterol, high blood pressure and bad knees, my doctor suggested bariatric surgery. I told him I had considered it and ‚no‚ it wasn't something I felt fit my life style. Well, when I topped out at 275 pounds my life style and how I was able to participate in it, was quickly deteriorating. I have five grandchildren and I was challenged just to keep up with them on a daily basis; not to mention traveling with my husband and the activities that were becoming extremely difficult.

In May 2008, I had to face the fact I needed to do something or I would not be around to even try to participate in my life. My biggest challenge was to admit that I could not do this on my own and I needed help. I perceived myself as a failure at losing weight. I embarked on my journey with Dr. Chae, Kelly, Dr. Kaplan and my own physician,Dr. Atkinson, to meet the pre-requisites for insurance. It all came down to having the gastric bypass surgery on January 12, 2009. I have lost almost 90 pounds. I have gone from a size 3X (22-24) to a size 12, and have lost more than 70 inches total. I have slowed down considerably in weight loss over the last several months, but I am confident that I am not finished yet. The biggest health improvement I have seen is that I am off ALL medications!

The decision to go ahead with the procedure has literally been life saving and the best decision I have ever made! I feel so much more alive and able to participate in my daily life. My grandkids are thrilled their Nana can do things with them. I thoroughly enjoy being able to walk the beaches, or anywhere for that matter, and snorkel with my very supportive husband of 37 years without hyper-ventilating after the first few steps. I no longer have to struggle with the seat belt on airplanes or even consider asking for an extender. It doesn't take two or three guys to hoist me off a catamaran or into a van.

I can actually shop at stores that before I only went into with my daughter or daughter-inlaw. I can walk stairs and not have to wait for the elevator. I don't have to check for maximum weight restrictions before doing activities. I am amazed that a king-sized bed is actually really big especially when my husband said the other night, "I couldn't find you." Last but not least, I never get tired of someone complimenting me on how I look amazing and 10-20 years younger (a bit of an exaggeration but I'll take it!). LIFE IS GOOD!