It's my Tummy-versary!

This is where I prayed I'd be…. and I know many of the folks who've been reading this blog have prayed too.  We need to invent a word even better than "grateful" to describe how I feel.

It's been a year since my gastric bypass surgery at Catawba Valley Medical Center.  It's been a year since I've had to take diabetes meds.  Over the past 12 months my back and knee pain have disappeared.  No more hunger headaches or what I called "blurry sugar vision."  It's been a year of learning to consistently make good food choices and  monitoring my portions to keep my tiny tummy happy. 

On Monday I went back to meet with my surgeon,  Dr. Montgomery Cox, and Lynn Delserone, the Bariatric Outreach Dietitian at CVMC.  I almost can't believe my progress.  I've lost 73.9 lbs., 87% of my excess body weight.  My diabetes is solidly in remission.  I couldn't believe it when Lynn took my measurements.  I had a 39 inch waist before my surgery.  I 've got a 29 inch waist now.  Can  you believe I've lost an entire foot around my belly?!?!   That explains why my size 8 pants are too big now!  

Both Lynn and Dr. Cox gave me my walking papers and told me they didn't NEED to see me again until next January.  But one of the things I love about the surgical weight loss program at Catawba Valley is that they both said that If I NEED or WANT to see them again, they'll always be there for me.  ALWAYS!  Lynn and Libby, the program coordinator, told me from the very beginning that they're only a phone call away.  They've never let met down…. NOT ONCE, EVER!

If you are considering bariatric surgery, PLEASE make sure you get with a program like this one.  I feel bad for folks who have surgery and their doc just sends them home to figure it all out.  I've talked to patients who go in for lab work and get zero guidance.  I haven't been successful because I'm special.  I've been successful because I've had an amazing support team at home (my mom, Wheezy has been awesome) and at CVMC. 

If you want GOOD INFORMATION on what to expect and have questions about anything from qualifying for the surgery to insurance coverage or life after surgery then I urge you to go to the next seminar.  It'll be in Gastonia on January 31st, 6pm at the Holiday Inn Express on Broadcast Street.  Call 828.326.2082 to register.