I had a medial RNY with Dr. Elariny in Virginia on July 23, 2003 (eleven months ago).  I can truthfully say it was the best thing I have ever done for my health and my happiness (except for marrying the most wonderful man in the world almost 35 years ago!).

I had three children in three years from 1971 - 1974 increasing my family and my weight. I am 5' 1" tall and when I had my surgery, I tipped the scales at 263 pounds. I had the life most women would love to have with a wonderful Navy husband, family, home, etc., but one thing was wrong. I hated myself for losing control of my weight and not being able to regain control over it.

I think I have tried every diet over the years. I'd lose weight for a while and then gain it back plus a few more pounds each time. I would always joke that my husband believed he had married one thin woman who had grown into Siamese twins! I joked but it hurt inside knowing it was true. I had asthma, knee joints that ached constantly, shortness of breath, water retention that caused my ankles to swell horribly. The list goes on and on. My family has grown by eight grandchildren since 1993 and I was too large to even enjoy doing things with them which made me even more miserable.

I made the decision in December 2002 to seek weight loss surgery. I did tons of research on the internet and in books (Barbara, your book was the best help of all!), talked to people and made an appointment with Dr. Elariny. I decided on the RNY because it seemed to fit my lifestyle best. I received insurance approval much faster than I ever expected and was scheduled for my surgery on 23 September but, thanks to some rescheduling in my bariatric surgeon's office, actually had it done in July 2003.

Eleven months later, I have gone from 263 pounds to 134 pounds. I have dropped from a size 26 to a size 6! I feel absolutely fantastic. I can hardly believe the energy I have! My whole family is so excited and calls me "the incredible shrinking lady."

Yesterday was Fathers' Day and I spent the weekend with my parents in Raleigh, NC. My dad is 83 years old and in very bad health. My mother and I walked to a nearby school and walked around and around the track in the evenings doing miles easily. Barbara, my Dad had worried for years about my health due to my obesity. Yesterday he had tears in his eyes when he hugged me and told me how proud he was of me, and how relieved he is that I am in so much better health. He said my weight loss was the best Father's Day present he had ever received! It's so wonderful to know that he can quit worrying about me!

Thank you for the E-Newsletter with all of its helpful information and for the opportunity to share my WLS story.

G8ful 4 WLS!

Jo Anne Junkin
Lexington Park, MD

Before	After