Hi Barbara,
I really enjoy your newsletter each month. It really helps me since my surgery and your articles are wonderful.

Here is my story. I am a 56 year old women who thought her life was about to end. My weight had gotten out of hand. All my life I have been over weight and have been on many weight programs. But in the last 20 years it has gotten a lot worse. My health was going down hill by the day.

I went in to see my primary care physician and he told me about a wonderful doctor in West Columbia, SC, Dr. Glen Strickland who was doing gastric bypass surgery. He thought I would benefit from this surgery. My appointment was made before I left his office.

I met with Dr. Strickland and he sent me to have all the medical work-ups to get approved by my insurance company. I talked everything over with my family who by the way had many questions. When I started my journey I knew nothing about this surgery. So I went online and started my search.

My surgery was on Oct. 30, 2002 and my beginning weight was 248 pounds. My BMI was 43. I am 5'1" so 248 pounds is a lot for me. My surgery was laparoscopic RNY.

Although my surgery went well; my recovery was tough but well worth it and yes I would do it again. I am 10 1/2 months post op and I now weigh 143 pounds. I feel better than I have in 20 years. I wish I could have had this done years ago. I know this is not for everyone, but I thank God everyday that it was for me.

We have an Angel Program through our support group. We find out when our pre-ops are having surgery and are there for them and their families. I try very hard to be there for all our pre-ops as well as post-ops. We also have an online support group. You need the support from your friends as well as your family. Here are before and after pictures of me if you would like to use them. 

                Hugs 

                  Judy Ellis   

Sept 20th 2002 @ 248lbs in Hawaii
with my sweet hubby Chuck

May 2003 Myrtle Beach Sc
bike week @ 148lbs