Well yesterday was my one-year anniversary since bypass surgery. Like everyone, we all have a unique journey. I have lost about 159 pounds and went from a size 22 to a size 8 or 10. Here is my journey, which includes ulcers, cancer, kidney stones, malnutrition-induced neuropathy, and stenosis. Fun, huh? I'm really happy with my results, but I have a LONG way to go to get healthy. My journey and situation is NOT typical, so for those of you considering surgery, please just know this is one story out of many, but you won't face this same situation.

• Surgery - May 8, 2017. Successful!
• 10 days later - blood in stool. Had a large ulcer (not uncommon) and spent 4 more nights in hospital. All good.
• Never felt I could eat much as the weeks and months progressed, but didn't throw up and no pain either. Just couldn't eat more than a small amount before feeling extremely full. Also could not tolerate chicken, scrambled eggs, and other denser foods.
• September 22, 2017 - Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. 2cm tumor. Started chemo in October and finished 6 rounds in February. I'm HER2+ so I am continuing with infusions every three weeks (which are not chemo) until October 2018. Chemo affected my appetite and taste. I had no nausea. I already was not eating much and had lost so much weight so fast. Having no desire to eat didn't help. I am SICK of sweet protein shakes, pudding, jello , soups, cottage cheese, etc. However, I worked fulltime and kept my sprits up and never felt sorry for myself. I am cancer free (none found in any lymph nodes or in the tissue removed), so I feel very happy that I found the lump when I did and can move on. I do have a genetic mutation that was found, so I opted for a double mastectomy, which was performed on March 13, 2018. After losing over 150 pounds, my former 44 DD breasts were very low and flat, so I needed a lift anyway. Now I have them where they should be! Ha. Surgery went well and I'm recovering still.
• Met with my gastric surgeon two weeks ago and they want me to continue getting B12 shots once a month to help with the neuropathy in my feet brought on by vitamin deficiency. I am also supposed to up my protein to try and reach 80 grams per day, which is very tough for me.
• Tomorrow I am getting my second endoscopic dilation so I can eat more. Dr said it's from inflammation and between 6-20% of patients have to get that done at least once. I had it done in February, but need one now again as I still can barely eat 1/4 of food (more of soup or softer food). SOOO looking forward to being able to eat a variety of foods soon. It gets frustrating to have such limited choices.

I will start physical therapy because my muscles have atrophied a bit, but need to wait a bit until I recover from my double mastectomy. I didn't ever think I would need that after gastric bypass. My biggest fear was that I would not get to my goal weight of 170 (here I am at 150).

Before and after photos attached. After shots are with a wig as I only have 1/4 inch of hair at the moment!

Wow! Congratulations lady on your new life...in more ways than one! ((hugs)).
As others have commented, your courage and attitude is very inspiring and offers hope and motivation to us all. Keep on kickin' it! You look totes lovely!!! And you're beautiful hair will grow back--curly! [emoji3] Get ready! [emoji4]

Thank you! I always enjoy reading your supportive posts to everyone. Yes, I’ve had curly hair my whole life so I’m assuming it will be back.

Amazing courage, and amazing stamina. You look marvelous lady! Bless you and I wish you continued health goals.

I appreciate your comment! Really helps me heal and feel like I can support others through my story.

What a story and there are still chapters to be written. You are brave courageous and I am honored you shared and are sharing your story with us. Keep us updated and. please remember we are surrounding you with our love and prayers. We are virtually walkingbwithbyou every[emoji188]of the way.

Wow! Loved your words about walking with me! I needed to hear that! Appreciate it! [emoji175]

Getting hit with cancer on the heels of this surgery was a blow but I greatly admire your pragmatic, can-do attitude. Hope the dilation helps with food volume and diversity!! I didnt realize that this was so commonly needed.
ETA: Nice new boobs, btw! I remember reading (and laughing) when someone described hers after weight loss as tennis balls hanging from tube socks, and now this is becoming me!!

Ha! Yes, I “raised the rack” back where they belong. I had the dilation today and the doc said he couldn’t even get his endoscope down and had to use a small one to start. I was dilated to 15mm and ho back in a month to have it done again so it will “stick” for a few years at least. Already eating more volume.

Thank you Bryn!

You are beautiful, amazing and a true inspiration! I hope all of the bad is behind you and you can enjoy your hot new figure...lol

Oh my gosh thank you!!

16 minutes ago, Savagegirl said:

Thank you! Hope to be a hot mom soon, lol

You already are, look at that last pic. U are gorgeous!!!!

Wow! What a journey you have had! You are a strong person and a huge encouragement....thank you SO MUCH for sharing your story.

I wish you the very best...stay positive and beautiful, inside and out. And, you look fantastic!

7 hours ago, Savagegirl said:

Thank you! I always enjoy reading your supportive posts to everyone. Yes, I’ve had curly hair my whole life so I’m assuming it will be back.

I always had straight as a board hair and tried to perm it for fun in my 20s. I was always envious of you curly headed chix! It went awry and didn't end well. Then fast forward to 50. And after chemo mine grew back curly! It's now straight again, but it has more wave and body than it used to.

So can't wait to see yours and hear if it changed any! Maybe your's will come back in straight?

Such an amazing and inspirational story...thank you for sharing. You look absolutely gorgeous. I saw this recently on another site:

Edited May 11, 20188 yr by MIZ60

Such an amazing and inspirational story...thank you for sharing. You look absolutely gorgeous. I saw this recently on another site:

Love that one. Getting this one today : “Does this mastectomy make my butt look big?”