Milestones (long)
Hello group!
Next Monday will mark my 8 month anniversary of reclaiming my life. As of Oct.
16th I had lost 125 pounds. My surgeon does not want to see me again until April
16th and I probably will not weigh again until then. Actually, the not knowing
helps me. I just do the “program” — eat small protein-filled meals, not too
much snacking, drink lots of liquid and exercise. Here’s some of what has
happened to me in the last 8 months:
Before May 7, 2001
A hole in my foot the size of a quarter that would not heal and threated my
limb.
Sleep apnea (I was in total denial of this) that robbed me of any energy, and
threatened my life (and others) by making me sleepy while driving.
Three oral diabetic medicines, insulin once a day, two anti-hypertensives, Lasix
and a whopping pharmacy bill (even with insurance).
Inability to walk even 25 yards without chest pains and breathlessness.
Congestive heart failure.
Work, home, sleep, work, home, sleep — nothing else — no energy.
Horrible chronic sinusitis which left me open to all kinds of respiratory
infections.
General malaise, bordering on depression.
No life. No joy. No hope.
TODAY!!! Happy New Year!!!!
Foot completely healed.
Sleeping like a baby, and 6 hours is plenty. I am up by 5, and out my door by
6:30 and work 9 hours a day (except on Friday when I take the glorious afternoon
off!!!)
No meds. None. Zip. Nada. Okay, it a vitamin a med???
Going like a house-a-fire. Today I grocery shopped, went to the video store,
cleaned out my overflowing book collection, did the dished three times, cooked
dinner and will probably clean the kitchen again. Why can’t I stand clutter
anymore? Because I don’t have to!!
Breathing clear and easy. No headaches, runny nose and eyes, no cough.
Life! Joy! Hope!
My milestone of the day … after 3 years of owning a recumbent bike and not
being able to get my feet in the pedals because my belly was in the way … I
rode that sucker. It wasn’t graceful or easy, but I could do it! And tomorrow I
am calling the exercise physiologist at my new gym to set up my exercise program
(last 6 months, only water aerobics).
And if my weight loss ended tomorrow, with still probably 200 pounds to go, I
would do it again in a skinny (no pun intended) minute. But I know that is not
the case and the future is just so damned exciting.
Happy hugs for everyone for a terrific New Year!!!
Love, Cathy
RNY w/ gallbladder May 7, 2001
Dr. Richard Bell, Richland Memorial Hospital, Columbia, SC
-125 lbs. as of 10/16/01
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The Gilbert Girls
Sybil & Cathy (owned by Percy)
gilbertgirls@…