Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Days were filled with chronic pain, now 62 lbs lighter and less pain
In 1999 I was diagnosis with ‘Chronic Pancreatitis.’ Over the next 3 or 4 years I spent months at a time in the hospital. Even when I was home, I was sick and often limited to a wheelchair. Soon after, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and fibromyalgia. My days were filled with chronic pain and my weight was ballooning up rapidly. I was forced to stop working and spent the majority of my time at one medical appointment or another. My life felt out of control. I no longer even looked like the man I had been. Our children were quite young and it hurt me that I was unable to play with them like the Dad I wanted to be.
It was my podiatrist Dr Galucci, who told me that much of the pain I was feeling in my legs and feet was due to my weight. He told me about Petteruti Bariatric Medicine and suggested I call them for a consult. I went for the consult, heard about the program and booked my intake appointments. I had guarded optimism at best.
One thing that impressed me the most was that Dr Petteruti and Cathy look at “the whole patient”, not just the number on the scale. They looked carefully at other medications I was taking, what my home life was like, and activities I enjoyed before I became ill.
Once I started losing weight I said, "Wow, something is right here."
I began feeling a lot better, very quickly. I never realized how much the way I was eating affected how I felt during the day and at night.
Within a few months Dr Petteruti was able to reduce or discontinue some of the medications I had been taking for a few years. I no longer needed them. By eating better and maintaining a healthier lifestyle, things had turned around. Of course, throughout all of this, Dr Petteruti has continued to keep my primary care physician informed of any changes we have made.
Petteruti Bariatric Medicine also offers some really great treats for your convenience. I must admit I became ‘addicted’ to the Lemon Meringue protein bars. I split it in half to eat. I eat the top first, then the bottom, so they really taste like candy! I never run out of my Lemon Meringue bars. They’re my absolute favorite and they do help me 'feel better.'
After a few quick months I realized, "If you’re not a force for yourself nobody is."
I’ve lost 60 lbs. and I’m still going to lose more. Now people say, ”You’re the healthiest looking sick person I know!” I often forget about being a diabetic, my blood sugars are normal, so I no longer feel symptoms. Even the chronic pancreatitis attacks have lessened.
A year ago I looked sick and my future was “in great question”. This summer I climbed Mt. Kersage with my family and I’m excited about what the future holds for us. I’m going to be around for my family and we look forward to more outdoor adventures together.
Thank you Petteruti Bariatric Medicine.