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Mom now enjoys playing with her three kids …
Wendy had bariatric surgery 2 ½ years ago in 2001 at age 30. She went from 308 pounds to 143 pounds. Now she can even play baseball with her three children.
"My life was sedentary. I went to work and didn’t have the energy to do anything else. I had fibromyalgia. Since the trigger points are the back and knees, the weight made my condition worse. I was also hypoglycemic. At my heaviest, I weighed 308 pounds.
I was tired. I knew I needed to do something to see my three kids grow up. My mom had recently had the surgery, and I saw the good results she had. I knew the weight wasn’t doing my health any good.
My surgeon did anything and everything in his power to help me. He was excited to help someone so young. I was only 30 when I had the surgery. He teases me now when I go in. At 143 pounds, he calls me “the skinny lady.”
I don’t remember much of the first week after the surgery. My nursing care in the hospital was great. I’m sure as everyone does in the first day, I didn’t want to get up. But they help you around. Everyone was very understanding. When I got home, I didn’t have too many problems. It was hard to remember to eat, because I wasn’t hungry. After three weeks, I went back to work. That was pushing it a little bit.
I had no problems, except some gallstones because the weight came off so fast. In the beginning, a big amount of weight came off. Then it trickled off about six months later. Then more came off after a break.
The nutritional guidelines really helped. I really liked the structure and firm guidelines. I liked having the dietitian readily available. She helped me a lot. I feel satisfied with what I eat. Every now and then I do something stupid and eat too much. Then I feel overfull and rest a bit.
My fibromyalgia is a lot better—nothing like what it was. It’s nice being able to play with the kids and get on the floor with them. When baseball season comes around, I practice with them. I can go to the store and not get depressed trying on clothes. I just feel better in general.
Some people at work I only see about once a year. When they come in, they tell me they are there to see Wendy. They’re shocked that I’m her! It’s hilarious.
I would have the surgery again because of the difference it has made in my life. If I hear people talk about their fears, I tell them what to expect. If you want to do it, you’ll have to take some time off from work. But if you do what you’re supposed to do, it can make a huge difference. It’s so well worth it.
The greatest difference in my life is being able to enjoy life. That’s the simplest way to put it. I no longer dread waking up every day. I can enjoy my life and my kids. And they’re proud of me."
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