Weight-Loss Surgery Journey
EmpowHer, 26th May 2010
Donna was diagnosed with menopause in the summer last year. At this challenging period of her life, she put on weight but explained herself it was a common problem of many women.
It started bothering her when heath issues started. She was diagnosed with sleep apnea and high cholesterol. She also experienced breath shortness, joint pain and some other obesity-related complications.
When Donna relised how the quality of her life changed, she decided something had to be done about it. She had a meeting with a weight-loss surgery doctor in January, and she felt relieved that there was so much she could do about her health and body.
As Donna was determined to react quickly, she had all necessary tests – such as upper GI, an EGD, an ultrasound, blood work, and an EKG – done within a week.
When the day of the surgery came, she was happy but also scared. The next day she felt great but the day after was completely different. Her body was sore, swollen and tight from the surgery. She was then given steroids to help the swelling. Donna started feeling much better on the next day, and the day after she was ready to go home.
That was the next part of the challenge. Patients after the weight-loss surgery have to record everything they consume, including water and vitamins. They have to measure the portions of the food and stick to them.
Despite all the pain and other inconveniences, Donna managed to lose 28 pounds only after seven weeks aftre the procedure. In overall she lost 45 pounds. Her aim is to get her BMI to 25.
Donna is very happy to get her life back, to change her lifestyle and to be able to climb the starirs without being breathless.
