lily1968
Switching to the new format (or is it the old now??)
Feb 24, 2009
Man! I haven't been here in awhile....here's the text from my "old" profile...it wouldn't transfer over....I started my "official" journey on 4/03/01 by attending a support group meeting with Dr. Michael Butler in Altamonte Springs. After this, I was referred by my PCP to another surgeon, Dr. Muhammad Jawad, in Ocala because Dr. Butler was not in my HMO network. This turn out to be wonderful, because I absolutely love Dr. Jawad. I was approved in 2 days by the insurance company (if you have a fax number for the pre-cert office, it really speeds things up), and was scheduled for surgery on 8/15/01. I went to the hospital in Ocala on 8/15, but surgery was cancelled because I was running a fever, and it was rescheduled for 8/28/01. I was in the hospital for 2 days, and had no complications at all - NONE. My surgeon was wonderful! I had the usual learning curve with learning what to eat and what not to eat, and quickly learned what "dumping" was.
I'm currently 20 months post-op (April 2003), and I've lost 166lbs total. I hover between 150-155lbs, depending on the time of day, time of month. I've gone from wearing a size 32 in pants, and a 32/34 or 6X in shirts to wearing size 8/10 pants and medium shirts. I'm extremely happy with my decision to have this surgery, and would do it again in a second if needed. I'm currently starting the "second half" of my journey. I'm scheduled for a breast reduction on May 5, 2003, and will look into a TT in the fall/winter. I refuse to call this cosmetic surgery because there's nothing cosmetic about it.
Good luck to anyone reading this that is researching, trying to make a decision. It's life changing, to say the least...my advice is to research, learn everything you can - good and bad, and make the decision for yourself and for you only. If you're doing it for someone else, you're not ready. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to email. Include "WLS" in the header as I generally delete email from addresses I don't recognize..Thanks! :o)
5/14/03: Just an update to let you know I survived the breast reduction, lol. The PS removed 5.3lbs total, and gave me a beautiful, perky full "C" cup. What a difference! I'm so happy that this is done....now, when can I get my TT?? With the boobs gone, I now notice how much extra skin/tissue I have on my trunk...we'll see...bye for now!
8/28/03: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME....Hi everyone! I cannot believe that it's been 2 years ago today that I had my LAP RNY..It has been the greatest 2 years. I am healthy, happy, and loving life. I'm recovering very nicely from my breast reduction 4 months ago, also. I am so glad that I chose this path of having the LAP RNY. I'm maintaining my weight, within 5lbs of where I ended up. I went from 316lbs to a low of 150, now hovering around 155-158. I'm wearing Ladies Medium shirts, and size 10 pants, down from a Woman's 5X and size 30 pants. I've had NO COMPLICATIONS at all from the surgery, and still see my surgeon every 6 months for followup (I love you Dr. Jawad!!). I encourage anyone thinking about this to do your research, and then do some more..lol..for me, it was the best thing...Good Luck!
8/29/04: Wow, I didn't realize I haven't updated in a YEAR!!! Yesterday was my 3 year anniversary, and nothing much has changed. Still holding steady at 158, and just living life as it comes. My sentiments are the same as always, go for it if you want it! Love to all!
8/24/05: Woohoo! 4 years out...still holding tight..have put on 15lbs in the last year (but I'm n love...heehee). I'm working on getting it off, slow and steady wins the race.
