Teeli

First of all... my doctor is NOT the doctor shown on my profile. My doctor is Mr Robert Cable, of Tauranga , New Zealand.. For some reason I can not alter that on my profile.I have been an active person all my life, a farmer HAS to be. I was fit and healthy in all respects, until I retired and in 1997 I was diagnosed with a non functioning thyroid.  OK..so I was started on thyroxine, and immediately my blood pressure began climbing.Then, I contracted rhuematoid arthritis and was started on a course of prednisone( steroids ) and methotrexate. Guess what? My weight began rising...my joints stiffened up more....my bp went crazy and the next thing I have congestive heart failure. Many years and medications later, in 2010 I was told I have osteo arthritis in my knees and hips, excerbated by my weight, because now I can't go for walks or do much of anything. HO HUM. The docs say I need replacement knees at the very least-but won't qualify because of my weight.Right there and then I decided I would do something  more. I saw Mr Cable, who is a Bariatric Surgeon and he advised me on having a Lap band inserted rather than the Vertical Sleeve I had first thought of.On my birthday Feb 17th of 2010, I underwent surgery.I had 2 weeks pre op diet of liquids only, and I am now in my 3rd week post op liquid diet with one more week to go before mushies start. I am already 18 kgs ( 39.6lbs) lighter..and my knees don't HURT. I can walk again...and as soon as the doc gives the ok, I am starting the gym foe weight work. Life is GOOD again..and getting gooder, lolol.