I have watched Lisa M.I. for the last 4 years. She has been in the background giving awesome words of encouragement to newbies as well as ROCKSTARS that are years out. Lisa herself is post-op. She is 13 years out and has maintained her weight loss and that in itself is a HUGE accomplishment. For that alone I wanted to highlight her journey with all of you.
Lisa’s stats are as follow:
51 years old. Female, 5 feet tall. Gastric Bypass 2004.
HW 265
SW 250
CW 130
Great work Lisa. You have given thousands the encouragement to know that they too can succeed. Thank you and continued success!!!
1. How long did it take you to make the decision to have WLS:
I had thought about weight loss surgery for about 2 years before I attended a seminar. After the seminar it was another year before my surgical date.
2. How long did it take you to decide if you were going to have WLS:
I decided that same night after the seminar and a discussion with my husband that it was the right thing for me
3. Why did you decide to have RNY:
At the time of my surgery, 2004. Gastric Bypass was the only option and it was still an open procedure.
4. What was your biggest fear:
My biggest fear before surgery was failure. Dr Caruana, my surgeon had explained about regain to me and that was NOT in my plans…
5. Did share your decision with anyone regarding your decision to have WLS:
I shared my decision with my family and friends from the beginning and listened to their fears and positive responses but stood my ground regarding what I knew was right for me
6. What was the motivation behind you having WLS:
My motivation for having weight loss surgery was my children and my health. My mom had passed away at 52 of cancer and I was afraid of any disease that may have been obesity related.
7. Did you have to do a pre diet prior to surgery:
I did not do anything pre op to prepare my body for post op.
8. What were some of your health issues prior to surgery and do you have any of those health issues currently:
My health issues prior to weight loss surgery were shortness of breath, pre-diabetic and sleep apnea… All resolved within the first 6 months after surgery
9. Was there any difficulties after surgery:
The healing process after surgery was textbook. I was compliant from day one. I followed the plan as laid out by my surgeon.
10. When did you start working out:
I did start working out as soon as I was cleared by my surgeon. We had a gym in our bariatric office and I went to that gym 3 times a week for the first year. At 6 months out I started riding my bike and have continued that activity all of these years.
11. Have you ever regretted having weight loss surgery:
I have absolutely no regrets after having my surgery. I would do it again today.
12. The most difficult part of the journey:
The first 12-18 months while I went through the phasing in of foods from Clear liquids to full liquids to soft food, then a regular diet. It took minimally 18 months to be able to eat a lot of real food again ( healthy food) without feeling or getting sick.
13. Have you found it hard to take your vitamins daily:
I have never had an issue or problem being compliant with vitamins. I have taken them as ordered from day one. I get my labs drawn every year at my bariatric Dr and make any changes necessary. I have not had any problems related to malnutrition.
14. My advice to anyone considering weight loss surgery:
The most important thing you can do is to get your head in the game for LIFE. Understand that the surgery is the first (small) step to learning about yourself, your emotions, your habits, your strengths and weaknesses, about nutrition, about shopping, about cooking, about social gatherings. It is the beginning of you loving you and making a commitment to yourself and your loved ones. If you are thinking of jumping in understand that some days will be floating gently on the water and some will be treading like crazy to stay afloat… but either way….. You made the commitment, stay the course.
15. My biggest reward since surgery:
I found a part of myself that I really like and respect.
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