Nearing The Goal

February 21, 2011


Wow how time flies when you are regaining your life. I underwent RNY gastric bypass surgery August 17, 2009. At that time I was tipping the scale at 424 pounds. I stand 5 foot 11 inches tall so let's just say that I was a really big gal! Along with being morbidly obese, I was seriously ill. From A to Z, there probably was something wrong with me beginning with those letters. The simple act of getting across the room was a big struggle. The breathing problems, the joint problems, the mass of body weight I was carrying, all made the decision to have gastric bypass my best possible answer.

Today I am 188 pounds lighter and nearing my intended goal of 200 pounds of weight lost. I wore 5x clothes back then. Now I am wearing size 16 and 18. Many of my health problems are gone. Some are nearly gone and let us say that the pharmacy is missing my $1000.00 plus per month!
I have been supported by a wonderful husband, family, church family and friend who went through the same process with me and remains my true support angel. This journey is a real trip. There have been bumps in the road to recovery and there have been many times that I am still not being recognized by folks that have known me for years. For goodness sakes, some times I wonder who that woman is in the mirror or even in that photo.

The one problem that I continue to battle is the depression and anxiety that have plagued me most of my adult life. Even though I continue to get counseling and see a mental health provider on a regular basis, this battle goes on.
I know that gastric bypass has given me a chance to live a lot longer and healthier life. I also know that the procedure is only a tool and I must adhere to a life style change for the rest of my days in order to get the full benefit of that tool.

By: Beverly Kelly

February 21, 2011