About
Hi my name is Beth but I am better known as MiladyB on the ThinnerTimes Forum. I was lucky enough to find the home of the Thinner Times Forum 2 days before my surgery. I hesitantly joined but over the past 2 years it has become such an important part of my support system.
I had my surgery on January 30, 2006. My surgeon was Dr Randal Baker who is head of the Bariatric program at Spectrum Health Hospitals, located in Grand Rapids, Mi. He is an awesome and gifted surgeon who honestly has a heart for his patients.
I started this journey at the weight of 359 pounds. I had struggled with obesity since I was a young child. For years I had denied my worsening health until one day I knew if I wanted to live to see my grandchildren I had to do something drastic.
I started this journey with numerous co-morbidities. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. I am now 2 years post-op and ALL of my co-morbidities are gone and with a 204 pound weight loss I am nearing my goal.
I have come to find and discover a life that I have never known before. I honestly feel that this surgery has been a miracle for me and I am so blessed to have been given this gift.
I have developed a passion and love for the Bariatic community and I am thrilled and excited about what my future may hold. After 30 years of nursing and using my skills caring for burn victims I have now taken the step to also become a bariatric support group leader. After going through some training I had the honor of becoming the leader of a local support group. We have been in existance for 1 year. I’ve so enjoyed having the opportunity to lead this group and I look forward to growing with them for many more years.
I was encouraged by a few friends to write a blog in order to share my thoughts and experiences with you. It is my hope that these words will touch someone and maybe be the seed that one day will bring them to the place where they too find LIFE!