LethbridgeMike
My story is probably similar to a lot of people on this board. I've just recently turned 33, and I've been overweight my whole life. I've had some success with weight loss in the past, but in the last few years my weight has spiraled out of control due to a combination of lifestyle, poor diet, and depression. As of November, 2007, I weigh 484 lbs according to my surgeons scale.
I was originally strongly opposed to surgery, considering it a "cheat" for people who lacked the will power to diet. What I failed to admit to myself at the time was, I was the one lacking the will power. I always said "I'll start tomorrow." Unfortunately, tomorrow always seemed to present a new list of excuses to continue living the way I have been living. It was after an acquaintance underwent gastric bypass that I began to educate myself about the procedures. I finally saw the benefits of surgery as a tool to aid in weightloss.
I approached my family doctor about WLS several years ago, and was told it was a barbaric procedure that had a low success rate, and that all I had to do to lose weight was follow a low calorie diet. But with over 300 lbs to lose, I knew that a medical intervention was needed in order to make lasting change. Thankfully I was introduced to OH and contacted a number of surgeons and brokers (third party placement agencies) to discuss my options.
Patience has never been a virtue of mine, and I was repeatedly told that the waiting list for WLS in Alberta can be as much as 3-4 years. It was at that time that I decided if I was going to go through with this, I was going to do it myself. I was fortunate to get in touch with Dr. Rohrer in Great Falls, MT, and scheduled a consultation. The cost is significant, but nothing worth doing is free, so for the past 5 months I have saved every cent to put towards my surgery, which is scheduled for March 31, 2008.
I'm glossing over a lot of things here, which I plan to cover as I journal through the next few weeks, months, and even years. I'm surprised but grateful that there are so many people willing to offer support and advice to a total stranger, and I hope to be able to return the favour to others who are going through this process.
Thanks to everyone in advance for your support.
Michael
March 2, 2008
