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Real Stories From WebMD

Body Transformed
A Journey of Surgical Weight Loss


Melting Away
November 12, 2004

Weight: 204 pounds
Loss: 73 pounds

I saw the doctor today. The results of my lab tests were amazing. My fasting blood sugar was 93 - well within normal range. Cholesterol has dropped from 315 to 177. My blood pressure was 120/72. Prior to having gastric bypass surgery I was taking diabetes medication, blood pressure medication and cholesterol medication. Now I take none of these, and my test results are textbook perfect!

I was pleased to learn that the protein level in my blood was in the normal range as was vitamin B. Because 25% of the small intestine is bypassed following surgery, many patients are unable to absorb sufficient nutrients from the foods that they eat. The result can be malnutrition. I am very careful to follow the dietary guidelines given to me by the bariatric team, eating protein first, avoiding carbs and taking vitamins daily. I did seem to be lacking in iron a bit, so the doctor told me to start taking a daily slow release iron supplement. This was expected, as I have always been slightly anemic and I've taken iron for most of my adult life.

I feel a bit like a celebrity at my doctor's office. The staff all knows I had weight loss surgery and they're very supportive. It's nice to be recognized for one's achievements, and taking control of my health is one of the most important things I've ever done.

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Body Transformed: The Archive
Making the Decision
07/14/01: Making the Decision
08/23/01: Leaving Bill
09/18/01: No Job
09/20/01: Just That Quick
The Family and Friends Plan
09/19/02: Why Not Me?
12/26/02: Comparisons
03/22/03: Jumping on the Bandwagon
05/20/03: How I Met Ed
08/18/03: The Big Squeeze
11/06/03: New Body, New Husband
Seeking Approval
02/04/04: Time to Get Approved
03/12/04: Journey Begins
04/26/04: I'm Approved
06/13/04: Pre-Op Testing
06/20/04: In the Waiting Line
Making the Cut
07/10/04: Saying Goodbye
07/11/04: Sleepless Night
07/15/04: The Surgery
Strange Changes
07/22/04: Yummy Water
07/30/04: Smaller Tummy
08/16/04: 37 Pounds Down
09/07/04: My First 50 Pounds
10/31/04: Different Food, Same Love
New Body Countdown
11/07/04: 67 Down and Counting
11/12/04: Melting Away - 73 down
11/20/04: Breaking 200
11/26/04: Giving Thanks - 83 pounds
Holiday Madness
12/08/04: Slowing Down
12/15/04: Fortune 100, and Counting
12/27/04: Weight GAIN?
Quiet Rewards
01/06/05: Jeans Older Than My Kids
01/19/05: No Lap, But I'll Take the Luxury
01/28/05: A Most Unusual Revelation
02/07/05: Body and Sole
02/14/05: Flowers in the Mirror
Ready for Summer
03/31/05: Batwings and Tummy-Tucks
A New Life
12/15/05: Finally

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