arivera426
Catch up on my status
Jun 15, 2008
Since I am starting this blog 7 weeks post-op, I figured I should write about the story of how I got here.
I first decided to have the RNY in April 2006. I went to an informational seminar and started seeing a surgeon. He wanted me to lose 50 lbs before he operated. I saw a medical weight loss specialist as well. I lost about 55 pounds on this program. However, I managed to lose interest and I quit this program around Thanksgiving of 2006. I don't think I was mentally ready to have the surgery.
I tried off and on (with little success) to lose weight over the next few months. Unfortunately, I gained back all the weight I lost plus about 20 more. In August 2007 I made up my mind that I had no other choice but to have the surgery.
I had my first appointment with Dr. Cavazos on August 30, 2007. I was shocked to learn that I weighed 550 pounds! I knew I was around 500 but I didn't know for sure. Like the previous surgeon, he wanted me to lose some weight before surgery. I was determined to do it this time.
I lost about 30 pounds by January 2008. My grandmother passed away in January and I gained back some of the weight. I started February 2008 at a weight of 540. At my final "medically supervise weight-loss" appointment in early April I was down to 485 pounds. The surgeon was ready to schedule a surgery date!
I had my surgery on April 28, 2008 at a weight of 480. The surgery went off with no complications. I stayed home for a couple of weeks before returning to work. I am 7 weeks post-op as of today and I am down to 436 pounds. That makes a total weight loss of 114 pounds!
The decision to have the RNY is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I feel great and I am getting better every day. I am no longer taking medications for diabetes, cholesterol, or high blood pressure. I am much more active and my wife and I are able to do many more things together.
