15 years post-op

I was extremely fortunate to not have any complications. I can still remember my mother having a gastric bypass in the mid-1970s. She had a number of problems, but GBS was a relatively new procedure. It’s improved drastically since then.

I had RNY GBS in June, 2007. My pre-op weight was 415 lbs and my BMI was 61. I wore 5XL shirts and 54 waist pants, my suit jacket was 60”. I lost 100 lbs in the first 12 weeks and after my total body lift in 2009, I had shed 182 lbs. I’ve stayed right around 240-250 lbs for 13 years. I have had dumping syndrome (UGH!) and all the pleasantries of plastic surgery. The most frequently asked question is “would you do it again?” And, my answer is always yes. I was in terrible health and feared losing my job because of my health issues. I regained my health and worked another 14 years (31 years total when I “retired” in 2021). I’m able to keep up with my grandkids and I went back to college full-time. I’m glad I took the leap. It changed my life.

Thank you.

I say “retired” because the new owners decided to permanently close the facility where I worked. I’m not eligible to start drawing pension for 3 more years. Fortunately, we were eligible for Trade Act benefits, so I went back to college full time. I can draw unemployment until I graduate. Good thing I made Dean’s List the first two semesters, eh?

Yes, dumping is a harsh teacher, but you won’t forget the lessons. Especially when you’re curled up in the fetal position in intense pain. All you can do is lie down and wait for it to run it’s course. Follow that up by not eating fried or fatty foods; sugary or “rich” things (heavy cream, whole milk, etc.). 15 years later, I still avoid those things.