Updated contact letter - feel free to use

[Guest guest]

I found the MGB site online. I was 54 when I found the site, piddled

around a bit, and finally got serious about when I turned 55 and hit

300 lbs. I live in Michigan, and at the time of my surgery, a doctor

in Bay City was doing MGB. I had surgery May 8 of 2007, and at a

starting weight of 306, I now weigh 160. For the first time in my

adult life, literally, I am under 200 lbs. I have gone from a size 28

or so to an 14. I feel wonderful and get great compliments.

I didn't know it was right for me but I'd tried every else

non-surgical and none of them either lasted, worked, or took. I was

diabetic and hypertensive, neither of which I am any longer. I have

lots more energy, feel better about myself, and generally feel better.

I miss eating some foods, but then I take a few bites and the

missing feeling is gone. I have a terrible time swallowing pills, so

I've found most of the supplements and vitamins in liquid or chewable

forms, except for zinc. I experienced some hair loss, mostly in the

4th & 5th month out of surgery, but never anything horrendous. I

started out with long hair and it got kind of ratty looking, so now it

is shorter. It actually compliments my new body shape.

I had a tough first 4-6 weeks, really questioning if I'd done the

right thing. I didn't jump up and run any marathons, and I went back

to work only part time at the 2nd week after surgery. I had a lot of

indigestion, and I still get little pangs of it once in a while,

especially when I eat too much rich stuff. I've become

lactose-intolerant to a degree (like I miss sitting down to milk with

a meal), but it doesn't work that way for me anymore. Sometimes I can

have 3-4 ounces of milk as a treat, but that is about my limit at

once. Cheese works fine, though, and so does yogurt, even though I

don't care for the texture -and I used to like yogurt! Figure that

one out. Gatorade makes me want to barf - whether if is the sweetness

or just the plain icky fakey-tasting flavors. I drink lots of water

and

green tea and haven't experienced any problems with dehydration yet.

I work a very high-pressure job, usually about 70-80 hours a week, so

I don't have much time for exercise. I know if I did, I'd do better,

lose faster, and tighten up more. But now there is a gym opening

really close to my work so maybe I'll look into that.

Aside from that I'll tell you some really thrilling things -

bending over to tie your shoes without grunting

no seat belt extenders in the car or airplane

getting into high SUVs or trucks without worrying

wearing high heels again (my feet went from a size 7ww to a 6 m)

pantyhose that fit

buying clothes at Wal-Mart & Target & having them fit

Kohl's!

being able to go by the gelato store and Coldstone Creamery and not

even thinking twice.

going into White Castle and getting one cheeseburger, no fries, no

soda, and feeling satisfied

going places where people semi-recognize you, then decide you must be

your own sister (and you don't have one!) and finally stumbling

through a re-introduction

seeing your bones start emerging

Not so cool things:

Husband gaining 60 pounds in the time I've lost 146

(And no, he can't wear my old clothes and I can't wear his)

Husband being jealous of men who notice me

A closet full of clothes I have to get rid of and think I should sell on eBay

Not being able to find a bra that really fits

Seeing the flab that now hangs that was so for many years disguised as

nice round arms and legs...sign. We won' even talk about hangy-belly

and wings.

I'd do it again in a New York minute, even if I knew I wouldn't lose

any more weight than this. I feel normal (of course, I live in

Michigan, the second-fattest state around) but it is still really

cool.

Cris (you can use me as a contact - I have before and recent

photos if you'd like to see them)

May 8, 2007

Dr Doroghazi, Bay City, Michigan

306/160/?