After Surgery...
On Decemeber 4th 2003, I had my surgery.
I will never forget the decision and that day. I got my life back!!. It was the beginning of a new life. I thank Dr. Owens for giving me a life I not had for a very long time. The decision to have the gastric bypass surgery was the best decision of my life. I would make the same choice again, and choosing Dr. Owens as my surgeon was another very great choice. I was one of the lucky ones and my insurance paid for most of it. But looking back and knowing what I know now, I would have readily paid for it out of my own pocket. I would have found a way!! I no longer take medications…I take vitamins and supplements.
I now weigh 175 pounds. A loss of 177 pounds!! Over half of me…as my friend said, “Steve you lost at least one Back Street Boy!”
Thanks to this decision, I am healthier and more physically fit than ever. My energy level now rivals that of when I was in my early twenties. I go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. I ride a bike on weekends. I Jet Ski now. I even took a course to get a scuba diving certificate. Things I would have NEVER thought of 4 years ago. I love my new look!
NOW...
My life has changed. I am physically fit now. Have a great attitude about life. I enjoy scores of activities. I eat healthy. Life is WONDERFUL. Better than I could ever imagine. I am 100% dependant on my re-trained healthy eating habits and lifestyle. Yes, my pouch controls the portion I can eat, but only I control what is made up of that portion that I eat. For me its been pretty routine and a part of my life now. I Eat my protein, take my vitamins, exercise and drink water.
I
would
like to thank
Dr.
Owens for giving me back what I didn't realize I had and that
was my life! The Coastal Staff treated me with respect, dignity and
compassion. I knew that they would do everything they could for me and
they continue to do so. I felt confidence in their laparoscopic surgical
skills so my post-operative recovery would be quicker. Life has changed
dramatically, I feel a 1000 times better. Prior, I couldn't get up in
the morning....no more"
It hasn't been an easy ride, but it is so true when they say that the surgery acts as a tool - not an easy tool but definitely an effective one! It is the first step to a better life. You do the rest!!! I have found that it is no longer just willpower that is keeping me on the right path, and my new anatomy helps to "force" dietary compliance. I am more in touch with my body now more than ever, and I can actually feel hunger and fullness knowing when I need to eat something (and when it is time to stop). I never had this before - rather it was just eat and eat until there was no longer any food left. Before the surgery, I was always eating to feel full and thus satisfied, neither which ever really happened, but since surgery, most of the time I've been full before I am satisfied. For the first time in my life, I finally have control around food (instead of it controlling me), and I am confident that I'll be able to maintain the weight I've lost :) I definitely have no regrets, other than wishing I hadn't waited so long to find out about the surgery.
Overall, I am completely healthy and never been happier!!