Testimonial
I am just over 3 weeks post op and I have had no major complications. The surgery went off without a hitch and my post op care has been wonderful.

I have had my first check up and I was so glad to get the staples out other than that I have lost 35lbs and I am exicited over just that. Before the surgery it was incomprehensible to lose half that in the time I did.

I have to thank most of all Ellen who helped my make this financially possible and Dr. Husted who was wonderful in the O.R. Jamie is also a great resource, she helped me so much answering all of my questions. Everyone has been so wonderful and has truly made this a success. I look forward to a healthy active lifestyle.

Good Luck to all considering this remember your life is worth it! :-)

UPDATE September, 2005 - I have just had the 2 month return visit and I am at 306 lbs. from 377 lbs. I feel great and I am doing well with the exercise. I have had no complications and now have great news. I am no longer on insulin and when I return to my PCP follow up visit I may not have to wear the C-PAP anymore!

I am always answering questions about the experience so far. All I can tell them is it is the best decision I have ever made. I feel that I will more than exceed my expectation for weight loss! Everyone at CCFOS has been wonderful and Tiana has put up with my overloading her e-mail box. Thanks so much for your help!

The hardest part so far has been the mental aspect of everything, so I am working through a lot of repression. I have weak moments and eat things I KNOW I shouldn't and no one has been judgemental about it. You just have to tell yourself, you did it so leave it at that and do better. Food, like any other addiction, is hard to break. CCFOS has really helped me do that. Thank you for giving me my life back! I actually look forward to weigh in because I know my hard work shows!

UPDATE: November 2005 - I have recently been to my PCP and I am no longer on my CPAP machine. I sleep wonderfully and I exercise regularly (5-6 days per week). I can finally weigh on regular house scales and my last weight was 270 lbs from 400 lbs being my highest weight (at the time of surgery I was 377 lbs.) I am wearing a 46 pant from a 58 and a 4x shirt from a 7x. I was very excited about that. I am getting to the point where I can jog again, not very long, but I can at least jog that was a big acomplishment for me as my knees would give out quite often before my surgery. My personal goal over the next 3 months is another 20 lbs to get to 250. My new long term goal is 150-190.

Thank you so much to CCFOS for all of your support through this. I am finally getting my life back on track and it is nice to do simple things like going up stairs without having to sit down. You have given me my life again. At 22 years I probably would not have made it to 32 if it wasn't for your intervention... Thank you SO much!

UPDATE: February 2006 - I had my 6 month post-op visit in mid January and had my first labs drawn. I had a few problems, my protein was good but I had high PTH and Low Calcium so I have changed my regimens a bit. I started taking an additional Vitamin D supplement daily so I am bumped it up from what I was taking. I also added one more Calcium pill a day so I am up to 1800, I will get those re-checked soon.

I am skating a lot more and currently trying to up my workouts but I am out for a week due to a bad sprain on a Lutz jump. Other than that, I need to take more water. I do crystal light a lot but I need to focus just on water. Eating is touch and go… I have to re-evaluate my habits and plan ahead more, but as you know it is a constant struggle. Everyone has been so supportive, and I am sure with your support and a strong will I will continue to succeed. I am now at 220 lbs, with a goal of 190 lbs by June. If I can get to 170, I will be at a clinically healthy weight. That is my ultimate goal. Thank you to everyone at CCFOS, and the people who support me when I need it. You are all my blessings from above.