“At the beginning of 2010, my thoughts turned to weight loss, as they have for many years at the start of a new year. My hope was that this could by my year!
In the course of about a week, three separate “notices” about Saint Mary’s Bariatric Weight Loss surgery came my way. The informational meeting with Dr. Kemmeter was at the end of February and by the end of spring, the wait for my insurance plan to give the ‘go ahead’ for me to have the surgery had begun.
November 9, 2010 was the day of my vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Dr. Kemmeter helped me decide which type of procedure was best for me. My goal was to feel better and have a better quality of life, and not necessarily to lose a specific number of pounds.
My two nights in Saint Mary’s were wonderful, aside from the fact there was a walk scheduled every four hours, even during the night! Several times, I walked in the amazing atrium on the top floor. I had a beautiful private room and my family could come and encourage me. The staff was very attentive, and Cathy Mooney, Certified Bariatric Nurse, was very helpful.
Six weeks later, I had lost 42 pounds and I was feeling great! I continued to follow the plan, focusing on protein, water and exercise. My choice for exercise is walking with a goal to walk five days a week for 30 minutes per day.
I have not had any nausea or vomiting (which was my biggest fear) and I have more energy. I’m walking a mile and a half or more almost every day! I am able to eat almost anything. And one of the most amazing things — I am almost never hungry!
It has now been 13 months since my surgery and I have lost 110 pounds!!! I seem to be more positive and less emotional.
I am so thankful for this opportunity. I would encourage anyone to look at this as a healthy option.”
Follow Carole’s weight loss journey online at http://cstefon-onmyway.blogspot.com/.
