Feelbetterat60
I am scheduled for a VSG August 11, 2008 with Dr. Philip Leggett, Houston TX. The following profile was faxed to Dr. Leggett and his staff before I came for the first consultation. He was impressed with my preparation which opened the door for a good relaxed session. He was easy to talk to; did not rush me, and answered my questions thoroughly. I liked his staff. Upfront, I was told that he has not done very many VSGs because insurance doesn't pay, but he thinks it will be the best choice for most people when the statistics convince the insurance companies to offer coverage.
I was hesitant at first because of his inexperience with VSG, but upon investigation, I found that he gets very high marks from his professional associates and patients as a skilled and caring physician. When he told me that much of his practice has been helping cancer patients - making what's left of their stomach work, I was convinced that he could reduce my healthy stomach and make it work for me.
Dr. Legget requires a no cheating two week pre-op diet having at least 70 g. or protein and not more than 30 g. of protein to deplete stored glycogen in the liver. Shrinking the liver makes the surgery easier for the surgeon and safer for the patient.
I am excited and confident that this decision is very much a part of my physical and spiritual journey toward a better life. One of my favorite scriptures says that "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." I look at it as a divine gift from my Heavenly Father. And I will be forever grateful.
Jill
P. S. I also attended the seminar required by Drs. Robert and Garth Davis, and for the price, I was not impressed. They have a
great insurance person for those having lapband or bypass surgeries.
WHY I WANT TO CONSIDER BARIATRIC SURGERY
*At my current weight 260 - 264 and height between 5’6’’ to 5’7”, my BMI is above 40 and I am 100 lbs. overweight
*Am currently being treated for hypertension; high cholesterol; arthritis in both knees; low back pain with occasional sciatic nerve pain
*Have a family history in both parents of heart disease and cancer: older siblings are having back and knee replacement surgeries; three brothers have had stints; one has had a mild heart attack and another has diabetes; two brothers are over weight and two are morbidly obese
*While dieting and exercising kept my weight manageable after first two children: it has been out of control for the last 15 yrs. after the birth of my 3rd child at age 42. See attached weight loss history for details
*Approaching age 60, I find myself excited about NOT GIVING UP; not resigning myself to a sedentary lifestyle,
*Using this surgery tool to get a large amount of weight off of my aching joints so that I can exercise more efficiently; to actually have a smaller stomach and learning to enjoy eating less and making healthier food choices
*I want to be as healthy and active as I can be for my remaining years; so that I can fulfill my divine purpose.
STEPS TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND MY FAMILY
*Interviewed and watched the lifestyle changes of a family member who had gastric bypass 4 years ago
*Interact daily with a close friend who underwent the Gastric Sleeve surgery Oct. 2007
*Joined ObestiyHelp.com for information and testimonies by persons at all stages of the process
*My husband and I attended the NOVA Bariatrics Solutions seminar July 18, 2008. I qualified for the gastric sleeve with Dr. James Davidson at the BSC in Dallas, but have not made an appointment for surgery
*Welton Hill, my primary care physician and family friend highly recommended Dr. Leggett for his knowledge and expertise as a surgeon.
*Read 4 online pages of testimonies from Dr. Leggett’s patients
WHAT “SLEEVE” BARIATRIC SURGERY MEANS FOR ME
*Undergoing a restrictive procedure where 85 % of the stomach is removed without altering the digestive process except for the amount and the type of food ingested. It is not reversible.
*Understanding it is a serious, risky surgical procedure where I might experience gastric bleeding; gastric leakage; pulmonary embolism; nausea, vomiting, diarrheic or other complications associated with surgery including death.
*Involves a lifetime commitment, not a cure-all or taking the easy way out
*Knowing it is a tool for maintaining a healthier life, but not a guarantee that I will lose all the weight I need to lose or will never gain weight again
*Follow-up visits with nutritionist, support group and online services imperative for long-term success
*Believing that resolution of my comorbidities is possible and that other serious health issues may be prevented by taking what might seem to others a rather drastic step.
*Understanding that the gastric sleeve procedure is still considered investigational and is not covered by insurance at this time.
