My birthday, 16 months post op

[Aggiemae 739]

Happy day after your BIRTHDAY Babbs!!!

[Syaniya 319]

Hello everyone!

Today is my birthday....yay me! I am so blessed to be 16 months post-surgery. Had the gastric sleeve on 8/17/2015 and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am down 125lbs, and I feel great. I have gone from a tight size 22W to a 12. If I ever had skin surgery I would probably be a size 10. I am 5'10. I don't know if I will ever have skin surgery, it's not so bad. My body is my body and I am ok with how I look. I might get it done in the future, I haven't ruled it out. I also went back to school to pursue my Bachelor's Degree. I should be done by June of 2018. I'm taking one class per semester (they are accelerated semesters) because I have so much going on. I'm really enjoying the work.

There are so many things I can do now that I couldn't do before the surgery. I can walk and walk and walk and even run when I need to. Going up and down stairs is no problem. I have so much more energy. I can cross my legs, fit in a standard seat, get into a booth, etc. When I see my reflection sometimes I can't believe that the person looking back is me.

It's been such a journey these past 16 months. I am in a great bariatric program and I owe the fine people at St. Elizabeth's a kudo's! My nutritionist and surgeon are awesome. Since having surgery a friend of my family decided to have it done and he is down over 100lbs since August of this year. A cousin of mine just reached out and is thinking of having it done too. It would be wonderful for her because she has so many weight related health issues. I feel great being able to help them on their journey.

I hope everyone is having a great day.

Margie

You truly look fabulous!!! Congrats on all the progress you've made on your journey. I am just starting my journey through St. Elizabeths also, but with Dr. Mccluney. Great to hear so many excellent things about their program. Like you I also have tufts, and it seems from your posts you did not have to wait 6 months is that true? I had my 1st appt last month and the Doc thinks it will take about 4 or 5 months until a surgery date. I'm excited for this journey. Wish me luck!!

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[Margie122 845]

Thanks again for all the birthday wishes. I had a great day...great birthday weekend.

@@Suaniya Dr. McCluney is really great. He took care of me for a day or two when I was in the hospital after surgery. I went home initially after surgery but had to be readmitted because I was dry heaving and they were afraid I might pop stitches. Ended up staying an extra 4 days...but it was worth it. I would not change anything about my sleeve. My start to surgery date was about 5 months, but it wasn't because St. E's was slow....I didn't have a lot of vacation time at work and I had some scheduling conflicts. The staff at St. E's are great. I love the NUT David, he is a huge help to me. Valerie at the front desk is awesome too. I can't say enough good things about them. I wish you well on your journey!