Jimmy signed my Wrigley picture!

[Snowparrot]

Wonderful! Wonderful!
You look great, and that's a very nice-looking lady you're hiding behind, too!

[12vmanRick]

Scott, What an incredible achievement. The weight loss that is. I always thought the before and after photos for advertising were BS. You have just proved they are not. You lost 200lbs in 18 months?? Was it all eat good and exercising?

Since you asked, I had gastric bypass (RNY to be exact) in March of 2006. I know that the procedure is controversial and it certainly is not for everybody, but I have no doubt that it saved my life. I no longer have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea. In fact, I am off all medications and feeling terrific.

By no means is the operation an easy fix, and people have died from complications from it. I never approach anybody about the surgery, but if anybody ever has any questions about it, I am more than happy to answer. My diet is 100 percent healthier these days and I am on the treadmill at least five days a week, logging in about 120 miles a month.

For those interested, here is my internet journal about life after the surgery:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/headparrot/

It definately was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I had to pay for the procedure out of pocket, as my insurance wouldn't cover the procedure, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

You know the key to all of this to me is how you feel both physically and mentally about your size. Obviously in your case physically it was killing you and mentally you probably didn't like what you saw. It took a lot of courage to admit you were miserable and then to have a very invasive surgery to help you.

I lost 30 lbs and have kept it off for a total time of about 2 yrs now. My blood pressure is down (although it wasn't high just high side of normal), my cholesterol dropped 15 points and it did help my breathing at night. I used to have sleep apnea as a result of a broken nose (got that corrected and throat surgery that both helped) but the weight loss was the icing on the cake for me. Now.. just to figure out how to regrow hair on my head.

[headparrot]

You look great, and that's a very nice-looking lady you're hiding behind, too!

Thanks, and there is no doubt that I definitely overachieved when it comes to Scubabarb.

[Snowparrot]

You look great, and that's a very nice-looking lady you're hiding behind, too!

Thanks, and there is no doubt that I definitely overachieved when it comes to Scubabarb.

I like her name, too: My name is Barb and I learned to scuba this year!

[springparrot]

Scott, What an incredible achievement. The weight loss that is. I always thought the before and after photos for advertising were BS. You have just proved they are not. You lost 200lbs in 18 months?? Was it all eat good and exercising?

Since you asked, I had gastric bypass (RNY to be exact) in March of 2006. I know that the procedure is controversial and it certainly is not for everybody, but I have no doubt that it saved my life. I no longer have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea. In fact, I am off all medications and feeling terrific.

By no means is the operation an easy fix, and people have died from complications from it. I never approach anybody about the surgery, but if anybody ever has any questions about it, I am more than happy to answer. My diet is 100 percent healthier these days and I am on the treadmill at least five days a week, logging in about 120 miles a month.

For those interested, here is my internet journal about life after the surgery:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/headparrot/

It definately was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I had to pay for the procedure out of pocket, as my insurance wouldn't cover the procedure, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

WOW
What a wonderful story!
Congrats on your achievement and good health!!!

[headparrot]

Now.. just to figure out how to regrow hair on my head.

When you figure that one out, shoot me a pm immediately!

Congrats on the weight loss yourself. For me, losing the weight was never as difficult as keeping it off. As soon as I lost motivation, I would gain back what I had lost and an additional 20 or 30 lbs. When things like diabetes and sleep apnea got thrown in the mix, however, I knew it was time to make a life-long change.

Keep up the good work. I know it's not easy.

[dnw]

Congratulations on the great weight loss. What an accomplishment! I'm glad that you have the autographed photo. What wonderful memories you must have of Wrigley Field!

[headparrot]

You look great, and that's a very nice-looking lady you're hiding behind, too!

Thanks, and there is no doubt that I definitely overachieved when it comes to Scubabarb.

I like her name, too: My name is Barb and I learned to scuba this year!

There's a lot to like about her. Let's not forget, she loved me when I looked like I did in the Wrigley photo.

[headparrot]

WOW
What a wonderful story!
Congrats on your achievement and good health!!!

I appreciate the kind words...even if they are coming from a Longhorn!

[headparrot]

Congratulations on the great weight loss. What an accomplishment! I'm glad that you have the autographed photo. What wonderful memories you must have of Wrigley Field!

Of the forty-five Buffett concerts I've been lucky enough to go to, those two at Wrigley were definitely the best! I hope he gets back there some day.

[nutmeg]

Wow! Excited for you about the photo!

Way excited for you about getting healthier. I have a friend who had that surgery as well.

It's hard work whether with surgery or not. Some people think just because you have the surgery there is not effort involved. She still works to keep her weight in check and to exercise. She was having major health problems before the surgery that are much better now. Her knees were so bad she could hardly walk. The diabetes and complications were getting steadily worse.

I'm very proud of your achievement!

And very envious of the signed picture!

[docandjeanie]

Wow, congrats on the signed pic and on the weight loss. Great Job on both....

Jeanie

[Mr Play]

Congratulations on both those accounts, as well as the occupational rehab recognition award from the link you provided.

[ladyparrothead]

Scott - Thanks for the update - you and Barb are looking good!! And congrats on the signed picture - I'm jealous

[springparrot]

I have a cousin's husband that had the surgery and lost alot of weight. However, since he could eat only little bits, he ate twinkies, hohos, chips, etc. All the wrong foods. And yes, he gained all his weight back, plus alot more.
So after about 20 years, he had another bypass last month.
I hope he takes this one more seriously.

[springparrot]

WOW
What a wonderful story!
Congrats on your achievement and good health!!!

I appreciate the kind words...even if they are coming from a Longhorn!

EXCUSE ME?
I was born in OKLAHOMA

[Grams]

I grew up outside of Chicago and have always been a Cubs fan!! That would have been the concert to be at Alas

What a great picture and the weight loss is absolutely wonderful!! I am so proud for you!! Keep up the great work. (by the way I'm a Horn Frog (TCU) not a Longhorn!!!)

[headparrot]

WOW
What a wonderful story!
Congrats on your achievement and good health!!!

I appreciate the kind words...even if they are coming from a Longhorn!

EXCUSE ME?
I was born in OKLAHOMA

Sorry, I was thrown off by the don't mess with Texas quote.

Actually, some of my best friends are Texans....stick up for me here Mr. Play.

[popcornjack]

Do you think I could get that surgery on my liver?

[PackPhanGirl]

WOW! (on the picture signed by Mr. Buffett) and
WOW! (on the new you!)

Way to go!!!