Lynda Gordon’s Gastric Bypass
Lynda’s Words
After spending half of my life morbidly obese, I hit rock bottom in the summer of 2006. I was 305 pounds and at barely 5’0 tall, I was having an extremely difficult time moving about. I had three young children and was teaching kindergarten at the time and felt tired and overwhelmed on a daily basis. I was depressed and not a minute of one hour of each day went by without me thinking or being reminded of my large, embarrassing, and cumbersome size.
I went to hear Dr. Thoman speak about the gastric bypass procedure and knew immediately it was my best option. I realized it would be a long and arduous journey, but I was ready to make the commitment to improving my health and well being. Once I made the decision to undergo the procedure I never once looked back.
I underwent gastric bypass surgery on November 30, 2006. Thanks to Dr. Thoman’s skill as a surgeon and the help of his assistant, Karen, I was able to make it through surgery and those first few months without any pitfalls. It was a lifestyle change, but one that was exciting and rewarding. In just three months I’d lost 72 pounds and was able to put on a pair of jeans for the first time in over 20 years!!
I surrounded myself in accountability to ensure success and attended every hospital support group and individual counseling session scheduled. I visited my nutritionist regularly and became a very popular face at my local health club! I weighed in weekly at the health club and weighed in at home, recording and journaling my progress along the way. I had photos taken of me each month and created a personal scrapbook about my journey. I sought information from the internet as well on best choices for meals and ways to increase/sustain my protein levels.
When I reached my one year anniversary date on 11/30/07 I celebrated losing 154 pounds. My BMI had gone from 57 to 31 and my blood pressure was a normal and stable number. The pain in my knees and joints was gone and I could move in ways I hadn’t moved in many years! I began doing my exercise classes including dance, aerobics, and weight training. I shopped at stores in the ‘normal size’ sections, which was a very rewarding treat. Best of all I now had more energy to be a productive and contributing mother, wife, and teacher.
A large part of my success was attributed to the help and support of incredible people such as Karen, Chantal, my counselor, my trainer, employees, and members at the gym, coworkers , and especially friends and family. Without them cheering me on each step of the way I don’t know if I would have had the perseverance and determination to finish this incredible journey. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience such an amazing change to my life.