and being frightened

[Guest guest]

Here is another " good " story. I had the DS because I was immobile from

osteo-arthritis of the knees, I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high

cholesterol, high triglycerides, and a heart murmur. I found Dr. Keshishian

through

Ellen Rowley who founded this board with Marta. My BMI was 58.6 because I

am really short.

I had the DS on 2-9-05. I had zero complications, and an absolute textbook

recovery. This surgery enabled me to have bi-lateral total knee replacements

one year ago on 10-4-06. I can go anywhere, do anything and shop for the

first time in 12 years. I can stand for hours all because I had both knees

replaced at the same time after losing all that weight. On October 16th of

this

year I had an extended brachioplasty and extended abdominalplasty. I was

that one person in 100 that gets a bacterial infection and I just quit packing

my incision wound today. The only real pain I experienced from this latest

round of surgery was friction abrasions from the compression garment that my

plastic surgeon had me get. Other than that I am doing great. No more

antibiotics or packing the little open incision over my pubic bone.

My husband and three grown sons have never told me to lose weight, been rude

or even discussed my weight. They have been totally supportive, kind and

loving. But, the other day I received a phone call from my youngest son who is

learning Photoshop. He was putting together the video of the birth of his

son three years ago and I was in the video. He said, " Mom, I didn't realize

you were fat. Man, what a difference now. " I had to laugh because when you

love someone you really do see them through rose colored glasses.

I am now down to 137 pounds. I don't want to lose anymore but will probably

if I ever get up enough nerve to have my legs done. I need some time to

" forget " this recovery time first. The funny thing about BMI's is that I

checked

mine on the internet and I am still classified as overweight. I would have

to weigh 125 before I hit the normal range. Dr. K would just laugh at the

charts and say not to pay attention to them. We stress out our bones so much

from being overweight that they weigh more than those skinny people who have

not had them built up from weight bearing. Besides I am " claiming " that my

knee replacements weigh more than my natural knees. Well, that's my story and

I'm sticking to it - even if the knee theory is a crock!

It is okay to be concerned just don't let it paralyze you. Just follow all

the advice like protein loading, sipping water, (water comes first), and walk

and breathe deep. All the stuff Dee will tell you about. We will keep

happy thoughts for you.

Marla

WA State

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