I woke up today thinking it the same as any other day… until I saw the date. Wow. It was one year ago today that I had my RNY Gastric Bypass surgery.
I remember wondering on that day what the next year would have in store for me. It has been all I had hoped and so much more. Since that very first day post-op, my severe acid reflux had been 100% GONE. I’ve lost 107 pounds… I went from wearing a size 30/32 and 3X to wearing a size 10 and MEDIUM. And my dream beyond all dreams came true this year. After suffering 7 years of infertility… going through treatments up to and including in-vitro fertilization that did not work… we are now 11 weeks 4 days pregnant! What a miracle! And it happened NATURALLY!!!
I really could not have asked for a better result. I am thrilled with the outcome. I was determined to make it work, and I succeeded. I wish for all of you the same joys I have experienced in this last year. And I thank all of you for supporting me through it!
If I had one piece of advice to give to those wanting to have this surgery, it would be “DON’T GIVE UP.” If you know this surgery is the option for you, and you qualify for it, don’t put it off for any reason. Don’t let anyone else tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t do it. If you are at least 100 pounds overweight, then you qualify. Don’t let it be like all the diets you went on where you said to yourself, “I’ll start tomorrow.” Start right now!
My advice to those who have just had the surgery… “FOLLOW WHAT YOUR DOCTOR TELLS YOU!!!” I’ve seen way too many who test the boundaries of their pouches way too soon after surgery. Do not sabotage this miracle you’ve been given. Remember how you felt when you first found out about this surgery and wanted so desparately to have it?? Don’t forget that. With every bite you put in your mouth, imagine your surgeon sitting across from you. What would he or she think about what you are eating or how much you are eating? I know I’m lecturing, but I want you to succeed!
Lastly, I would like to say to all of you who e-mail me with questions and support. I try very hard to respond to each mail I receive. I’m very far behind right now. Since I started back at work I have not had as much time as I wish I did have to write my WLS pen-pals. I currently have 544 mails in my in-box and I promise I will work to get to each and every one of them. Please be patient with me. You are all my lifeline and I don’t know what I would do without you. Because of this surgery, this site and the support of you all, I have become the healthy, energetic (and fertile) woman I’ve always longed to be. 
Follow your dream. It can come true!
Hugs to all,
Shannon Errett
Lap. RNY 07.31.01
252 / 145 / 135 (maybe after the baby’s born)
-107 pounds… and 11w4d pregnant…
