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Rozanne K. "I am claiming my life back."
Surgery Date: November 2008
Surgery: Gastric Bypass
My Life Before Bariatric Surgery
I went through life larger than my friends. At age 8, I was known as the bigger girl down the street. I had
four children and with each one, my weight continued to climb. Over the years, I tried all the diets. I would
lose a few pounds and then put those and a few more back on. I went to a doctor for diet shots and almost died. I developed
spinal stenosis and had two back surgeries. I had asthma, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, high blood
pressure, hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia. I could hardly walk and had to have both of my knees replaced. Exericse
hurt--it hurt to walk at all.
Making the Decision
With all of my medical problems and a weight of 291 pounds, I knew that I had
to do something fast. My youngest daughter was waiting to have gastric bypass surgery in Toronto. She was in her
third year of waiting.
I searched the internet and found Barix Clinics. I called and set
up a consultation. My husband went with me to the consultation. We were sold. I took the paperwork
to my primary care physician and he submitted the paperwork right away. I was approved in 3 weeks. It all
happened very fast.
Making Success Happen
My daughter received
a call shortly after my surgery was scheduled and she had gastric bypass just 2 weeks after mine in Toronto. It has
been wonderful to take this journey together. She didn't receive nearly as much direction or information post-op as
I did, so we have both benefited from the information in the Guide to Good Health and the monthly newsletters.
I walk most days. Because of my bad back, I take my granddaughter in her stroller. I don't have
to use my walker and that along with my weight loss makes me feel 20 years younger.
I always choose the
protein part of my meal first, then I eat the vegetable. For the first time in my life, I am enjoying fish--not the
greasy fried kind, but grilled with lemon and herbs. How tasty it is this way. I stay away from added sugar--I
don't even crave it. Fatty foods have also lost their appeal. Going out to eat is enjoyable. I eat a little
of my husband's meal and then order a side salad or bowl of soup. I am very satisfied with my meal and as an added bonus,
it doesn't cost as much to eat out.
How My Life Has Changed
Everywhere I go, people are congratulating me on my weight loss success
telling me how terrific I look. I am having a really good time buying nice clothing that I had previously only dreamed
of. But even more important, my diabetes is cured, my blood pressure is perfect, I no longer have sleep apnea,
and I don't use my cane or walker anymore--I push my granddaughter's stroller and really move it!
My family doctor is so proud of how far I have come and is thrilled with my monthly check-ups. Last month,
he said, "You are just a shadow of your former self." That felt so good.
I can do so much
more now. I have just taken on babysitting my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter and I have the energy to play outside with
her. We go for a big walk everyday and I am outside gardening while she plays on the swings.
My life
is 100% better than it has been for a very long time.
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