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Vicky Peterson's WLS Journey |
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My journey through weight loss surgery from September 2004- September 2005.
I have struggled with my weight all my life. I finally had the courage to make a lasting change through alot of prayer and faith in the Lord.
If you are going through the journey, and would like to get some extra support, please click on the link to the yahoo wls support group. It has been very beneficial for me to know that I am not the only one out there going through the same issues.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/JourneysThroughWLSWesternMichigan/
Also another inspirational site I have found :http://www.mygastricbypass.com/
The purpose of my doing this website was not only to show my family my progress, but also to try to inspire patients who have either just had the surgery or are in the decision making progress.
Gastric Bypass surgery is not a choice for everyone, and it is definitely not an easy solution to a weight problem. For me, it was my last chance to have not just a normal life, but any life at all. I still feel a great deal of shame that I allowed depression to let myself slide so far. But, I am making a conscious decision to look to today and tomorrow instead of focusing on yesterday. I did have several "bumps in the road" during my journey. I have had 2 strictures, a hiatel hernia, and thrush. I never realized that adults could get thrush. I worked at a daycare for 6 years and saw babies get thrush, but never adults. Frank said that it made sense that I got thrush, because afterall I was just a big baby! LOL! The first six months as I struggled with the minor complications and couldn't tolerate solid foods was difficult. However, it gave me a break from my addiction to food. That is really what it is....an addiction. I have learned how to not be a prisoner of food. I am really mindful of what goes into my body now. I still love food, but I try really hard to not put garbage into my body anymore. It is hard to see the summit when you are still in the foothills. But with prayer, faith and the love of your family and friends you will fulfill your dreams!
Please email me at [email protected] |
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at 4 months, I was down approximately 160 lbs. I am now off my blood pressure medicine and feeling wonderful. My energy level is increasing every day! |
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This was me, 1 month preop. I was unhappy, extremely sick with hypertension, edema and severe sleep apnea.I had tried hundreds of diets in the past without lasting success. I felt that I was out of options |
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At 7 months, I have lost 195 lbs! I am with my niece Arica for kindergarten round up! In one month, I will be walking the 5k leg of the 5/3 riverbank run. My goal for next year is to run it! I am pretty impressed with myself, considering less than a year ago, I could not walk accross the street without getting so winded I would have to stop and take a break! |
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At six months I have lost over 180 lbs which is more than the weight of my Husband! I am actively working out and I can run and chase my 4yr old niece Arica |
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Two of my best friends Tammi and Nicole walked the 5K leg of the Riverbank Run with me. It was a very cold, very rainy day, but we did it anyways! I finished in just over 59 minutes! I was very emotional near the end of the race thinking how far I'd come in such a short period of time. I am planning on walking as many races as I can find over the Summer and Fall, and then I am going to take the Winter to train for next year's run. |
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This is my husband, Frank. He was at the finish line cheering me on along with my mom and niece. His love and support has helped me so much throughout this journey. |
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This is me at the finish line of the Make a Wish Foundation's Walk for Wishes with my niece Arica. In 3 weeks, I have shaved 8 min 17 sec off my 5K walk time. I am very excited about this charity. I would like to organize a team for next year's Walk for Wishes. Instead of bib numbers, all the walkers wore lanyards with the picture of the child we were walking for, when I felt like giving up all I had to do was look at mine and it helped me keep going. My child was a 3yr old boy named Keegan from West Olive Michigan who's dream is to go to Disney World. IMPORTANT: I ran out of room on this page, so continue the saga click on this picture and it will automatically take you to part deux!!!!! |
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This is me at 8 months. I have lost 207 lbs so far. I thank God every day for giving me a second chance at life. I have finally found a positive channel for my addictive tendencies: I am now addicted to exercise! LOL! |
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