• Name: Leanne D.
  • Username: ALDavis
  • Location: USA
  • Member Since: 8/26/2007
  • BMI: 48.3
  • Consult w/Surgeon Planned
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go to the doctor's seminar ASAP!

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My Story

I wasn't born fat. In fact, I was premature and under weight! I started packing on the pounds when I was about 4 years old and recovering from the German Measles followed by double pneumonia. I was diagnosed hypothyroid when I was 14 years old and started on thyroid medication. I was taken off it when I was pregnant with my first child and it was 10 years before I saw a new doctor and was put back on it. He said I never should have been taken off it and that was one reason why I had gained so much weight. I also have a lousy metabolism and have been on one diet after another for many years, with no lasting results. For the last couple of years there have been a lot of days where I would forget to eat until it was time to make dinner for my family. I'm not the type of person that eats a box of cookies in one sitting or grazes constantly through the day. Food is just not that important to me. And I don't eat large amounts of food. But I do take in more calories than my body burns, so the battle with my weight has been a losing one. Too bad it was not in losing all the weight I need to lose!

I started considering gastric bypass surgery several years ago and begain researching the various methods available. And I talked to people who have had various procedures. Not one of them said they were sorry they had the surgery! So, I took the big step last year to go see a surgeon and find out if I qualified. I qualify! So I went through the seminars and classes, and started on the path towards having RNY surgery. But I was not convinced that RNY was what I really wanted to do. I knew I wanted desperately to lose weight and get healthier, but changing my body that drastically, with my health history, was a huge decision that I had to be very sure of. With that thought in mind, I started the medically supervised weight loss program, had consultations with a nutritionist, started exercising more, and had some of the physical tests that are required before surgery done. So far I have passed them all with flying colors, including the dreaded stress treadmill test! And though I have lost 26 pounds, it's not enough.

Then I started having stomach problems and was hospitalized with acute pancreatitis. That was extremely painful and pretty scary, so I started to wondered if having RNY was such a good idea. After more tests, all having "normal" results, there is no known reason why I'm having stomach problems. I am feeling better, so back to the subject of gastric bypass.

At my last appointment, I asked my gastroenterologist if my stomach problems would prevent me from having RNY surgery. His eyes got so wide, I expected him to tell me it was out of the question, but he didn't. However, he was vehement that RNY surgery was not for me and told me I should consider gastric sleeve surgery. He gave me a brief overview of the surgery and a referral to a physician who has a great deal of experience and a solid reputation as a gastric weight loss surgeon. After a second opinion that this doctor was highly recommended, I called for an appointment as soon as I got home/ And then I got online to research the surgery and the doctor. I found a lot of information about VSG and encouraging statistics all over the internet. I was really pleased to find a website for the doctor! He has a partner who is equally experienced and their resumes are pretty impressive. Plus, every step I need to take is outlined. I registered for the seminar with him ... and it's next week! I am so happy! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared, but at least this time I feel that I've found what I need and am comfortable with, and that I am far better prepared to make a decision. I am really ready to go forward in getting healthier! Fingers crossed!