“I Was Reborn. ”

I had gastric bypass, RNY, on August 22, 2007. I started out at 267 lbs at 5'7". I'm down 97 lbs and I'm 20 lbs away from my goal, with minimal excess skin problems. It has truly been the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I am more aware of my true self now. I am also more aware of every single bite I put into my mouth and the reasons why I'm eating instead of just mindlessly shoving food into my mouth. Since my surgery, I have realized that I am indeed an emotional eater and now I have this wonderful tool that forces me to question my eating habits.

The pros definitely outweigh the cons. I can walk without joint pain now. I can run on the treadmill and not collapse breathlessly. My blood pressure has lowered dramatically and I'm not pre-diabetic anymore. I am satisfied with just a bite of chocolate or cake now instead of a whole piece or half a cake! I can wear cute clothes and I'm acknowledged by salespeople now. I can eat anything I want now, but within moderation. This tool is wonderful.

The only cons I can think of are more pronounced back pain and severe dry eyes. I didn't have those conditions before surgery. Sometimes I get things stuck in my stoma and have to throw up to dislodge it, but those times are few and far between.

I had surgery because I was miserable. I had dieted my way up to 267 lbs and I kept on gaining by the month. I knew I had to do something. I knew I had to have some help. I had been dieting since I was 13. I knew all of the diets out there because I had tried them! I'd lose 40 lbs, get stuck and then get discouraged and gain it back, plus 20 more lbs. It was a vicious and depressive cycle. My self esteem suffered. My body suffered because I was in pain all the time. I had my foot reconstructed after a car accident with plates and screws and my weight put so much pressure on my ankle and foot. I was in constant pain and couldn't exercise. That was the main reason I had RNY. And now, my foot pain is gone completely.

I do not regret my decision. Like I said, it was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I have a youtube channel documenting my journey if anyone needs more information.