Testimonial
I could probably just write "ditto" on this because my story is like so many others. Started putting on weight when I was ten years old. First diet (diet pills) when I was 13. Then 38 years more of yo yo'ing. Weight Watchers. Jenny Craig. Nutrisystem. OptiFast. Shots. Calorie Counting. High Protein/Low Carb. Low Fat/High Carb. Rotation Diet. Fat Gram Counting. Calorie Counting. Counting the pounds as they kept mounting up.

Finally, I had had it. I began researching surgery. First the RNY. Then the DS. And in December of 2002, I wedged myself into a plane seat and flew 1,500 miles to Nashville, where I dragged my 280-pound, high-blood-pressured, high-cholesteroled, osteoarthritisized, chronically- depressed body in to see Dr. Husted. And things began to look up!

I had my open DS on June 30, 2003. No complications. No foods that I cannot tolerate. I do have a few bowel issues, but nothing I can't live with. I am off the blood pressure meds totally.

As of this writing--nearly 16 months out---I have lost almost 130 pounds. Virtually effortlessly.

I'm not perfect. I try to eat protein first, drink my water, and stay away from sugar. I don't always succeed. Jelly beans are a real temptation for me. But I just eat a few and don't beat myself up over it.

I make sure I take my vitamins and supplements every day. This is not an area where you can compromise!

I also began going to the gym regularly about eleven months after surgery. It is helping to build back some muscle tone and strength. I find I don't hate it like I thought I would--don't exactly look forward to it, but don't dread it either. That's a big positive considering I've always detested exercise!

Drs. Husted and Anderson and their staff are a great bunch of medical professionals and just plain good folks. Compassionate. Dedicated. Knowledgeable. And the discussion board is a wonderful source of support and information.

That's my story. Will update when I have more to report. Til then...viva la DS!