One Month After Retrospective (Long)
I had my one month (and one day) check in today. I thought I'd take this opportunity to describe what I've done so far and what my experiences have been.
I got started down the path of getting surgery in May. I was fed up with dieting and gaining, dieting and gaining... Also, my weight regain has been ever stronger after diets and I was topping the scales at at least 420 lbs. When I went out in public, kids would point me out and I had pretty much given up on doing really fun things not involving restaurants. Enough is enough. All my research showed that surgery is the only technique showing long term success except for those lucky individuals (and I'm sure they are hard working) in the 3-5% that lose and keep most of the weight off.
First step - online research. I initially wanted a band. Then I actually read about it - YIKES. No way I could live with the fill schedule and the vomiting issues - not to mention being creeped out by having a foreign body wrapped around my stomach that could slip or erode my tissues. So that was out. I considered bypass but the idea of not having a pyloric valve was not attractive. Then I found the Duodenal Switch. I thought that sounded pretty good to me as compared to bypass and I went into the introduction seminar with that in mind. I did consider the sleeve too, but I thought the malabsorbion of the DS would help me more.
At the intro seminar, one of the surgeons - Dr. Brengman - talked about all of the options they offered and one of them was the sleeve. The more I heard about the sleeve, the more I realized that it might be better for me than the DS. Then they introduced a fellow (Ben) that had the surgery. His starting weight was higher than mine (he is also taller than me) and he looked great. Not just thin, but really healthy. My wife (who graciously attended with me) and I agreed that the sleeve sounded like it fit my lifestyle and I made up my mind that this was for me.
I checked with my insurance and they covered bariatic surgery at 50%. There was a requirement for either a six month history, a new six month program recorded by a doctor, or a 3 month multi-disciplinary program (doctor, nutrition, exercise). I opted for the 3 month plan and started the first week of June.
I lost weight on this program. I knew I would and that my problem would be keeping it off. I was fanatic about keeping track of foods. I use MyNetDiary on my iphone for this and it has been very helpful.
Next I met with Dr. Brengman and he concurred with my decision to have the sleeve. I had done a ton of research, so I didn't have a huge number of questions other than to confirm that he would do the things I had read led to success. For example, 34 bougie oversewn, testing for h.pylori, etc... I picked him because I appreciated his humor but verified that he was experienced enough for me with this kind of surgery. I also made sure that after surgery I would be getting good support. St. Mary's in Richmond, VA is a center of excellence for bariatric surgery. These guys know what they are doing.
In the weeks that followed, I worked through the documentation from my PCP (who also agreed that this was a good thing for me), had the psych check, and prepared mentally. I stopped drinking with my meals (one of the best things I did). I gave up sodas, coffee, and carb laden foods. I did water aerobics to get my strength and health up before surgery to help the surgeon do his job. I also attended two more support meetings so that I had my head in the game.
I reserved 2 weeks in July for vacation and for food funerals. I think this was healthy for me. It didn't cause me to gain weight but it did allow me to guage how much pleasure I really got with food as opposed to being healthy and helped me decide I'd made the right decision.
In August we submitted to insurance and a couple of weeks later I had my date 10/10/11.
I attended a nutrition course that was directed at bariatric and diabetic patients. Then a 4 hour prep course that laid out what to expect and how to eat in the 2 weeks prior and 6 weeks after surgery. St. Mary's and Dominion Surgical Associates really did a great job making sure I understood what was coming and how to be successful.
2 weeks prior to surgery I did my pre-admission testing. My weight then was down to 386 from my high of 420+. Clean bill of health except they did find me positive for h.pylori. I got a prescription for that and I've been taking it post surgery. Just a couple of days left of that thank goodness (8 big pills a day). This is very important. h.pylori can cause ulcers and worse so with a small stomach we need to be sure we have it taken care of.
For the next 2 weeks, I was on the liver shrinking diet. That really kicked my weight loss up. Also, I was on metformin and actos for diabetes and I stopped the metformin one week before surgery. I didn't cheat a single day. In my mind I thought this would help the surgeon by making it easier to do the surgery. Before they wheeled me in I told him that I had worked hard to make his job easy. Dr. Brengman replied "in turn I will make your life easy.". That has really stuck with me. After the liver shrinking diet I was down to 369.
The prep nurse and the anethesiologist were fantastic. They took great care getting me ready. I had a several hour wait before the actual surgery and I put my mind into being calm as I figured that stressing out would only cause my stomach to be more inflamed. So I went to my zen place and surrendered to the process. A new friend of mine that was recently sleeved - Bruce - wrote me before surgery and said "You have done all the work to get here, now just go to sleep and let the doctor do his job." Very wise.
My last memory before surgery was being wheeled into the OR. I don't recall getting sedated (other than the pre-op area) and my next memory was waking up in the recovery room. I was a bit disoriented and I let the nurse make me comfortable and just let the process resolve itself. This nurse (who's name I can't recall) and all of the nursing staff was outstanding in their care of me.
After a short time (I don't recall how long) I was wheeled into my private room. It was late in the day and my dear wife was waiting for me. My nurses and the assistants were nothing but helpful and kind. Janice the night nurse was especially important to me but to the person, I only got the best care. The ward I was in was only for bariatric patients and they really know what to do to help you out. Dr. Brengman visted me, his PA Stacy also visited me, and Ben came by as well on his own time just to check up on me.
I was in the hospital for 2 nights because I was slow taking fluids on the second day. Otherwise, it was a textbook recovery and I went home on Wednesday afternoon.
In the month that has followed, I have had almost all good days. I did have a bout of constipation one day, I've had a gout attack, and it has taken me until now to leave the recliner and sleep in bed. Last week I started the 3 week stall. In spite of that, I'm down to about 350.
70 pounds. Gone. I stopped taking Actos at the surgery and my blood sugars are great - diabetes meds are Gone. Today my blood pressure was 100/74 so I imagine I will be off my blood pressure pill soon. That will leave just my ppi and my gout meds from here out. That my friends is real progress.
So far, no ravenous hunger. No problems with small portions. I'm walking and making sure I get my protein and liquids in. It gets easier every day. Hannah (my dear wife) has been there with me every step of the way. She did the liver shrinking diet with me and is working on her diet now. I love her and this more than anything has helped me work through the issues of surgery.
I've decided to stay active with my friends through the early days. At 2 weeks out I went to my first concert with my best friend Clyde. All of my friends have been nothing but supportive and I'm looking forward to doing more with them than just meeting for dinner. They have been great at never making me feel bad about my weight, but I must tell you that I have thought I've been letting him down as a friend. The weight loss and health improvements will let me fix that. Other dear friends have visted me just before and since surgery. I usually have a hard time with attention being on me just because I'm a friend. I'm opening myself up to allow acceptance that people like me. In return, I owe it to them to be able to be a better friend in return. Friendship and activities are a great trade for loads of food - and I love food.
I went home with a drain - did not like. It stayed in for a week and was one of the parts of the surgery I could do without... however it was never so uncomfortable I couldn't handle it. My stomach area was sore up until this week but not so much pain that a tylenol once in a while didn't knock it down.
Today I got to have my first soft food (not pureed). In two weeks I should be on full foods. What I've come to realize is that I can't be successful by myself. I have to allow others to help me and to learn from them. Going forward I will need to be sure I don't forget that.
For those of you considering this, make sure it is for you, do the research, and then set your mind to change from the get go. Make no mistake, this is the real deal. It will affect every aspect of your life for better or worse. How positive it is for you may well be up to you. I ran into Dr. Brengman as I was leaving today. We exchanged pleasantries and I updated him on my progress. I said "You did a great job" and he said "You've done all the work." How great is that?
I got started down the path of getting surgery in May. I was fed up with dieting and gaining, dieting and gaining... Also, my weight regain has been ever stronger after diets and I was topping the scales at at least 420 lbs. When I went out in public, kids would point me out and I had pretty much given up on doing really fun things not involving restaurants. Enough is enough. All my research showed that surgery is the only technique showing long term success except for those lucky individuals (and I'm sure they are hard working) in the 3-5% that lose and keep most of the weight off.
First step - online research. I initially wanted a band. Then I actually read about it - YIKES. No way I could live with the fill schedule and the vomiting issues - not to mention being creeped out by having a foreign body wrapped around my stomach that could slip or erode my tissues. So that was out. I considered bypass but the idea of not having a pyloric valve was not attractive. Then I found the Duodenal Switch. I thought that sounded pretty good to me as compared to bypass and I went into the introduction seminar with that in mind. I did consider the sleeve too, but I thought the malabsorbion of the DS would help me more.
At the intro seminar, one of the surgeons - Dr. Brengman - talked about all of the options they offered and one of them was the sleeve. The more I heard about the sleeve, the more I realized that it might be better for me than the DS. Then they introduced a fellow (Ben) that had the surgery. His starting weight was higher than mine (he is also taller than me) and he looked great. Not just thin, but really healthy. My wife (who graciously attended with me) and I agreed that the sleeve sounded like it fit my lifestyle and I made up my mind that this was for me.
I checked with my insurance and they covered bariatic surgery at 50%. There was a requirement for either a six month history, a new six month program recorded by a doctor, or a 3 month multi-disciplinary program (doctor, nutrition, exercise). I opted for the 3 month plan and started the first week of June.
I lost weight on this program. I knew I would and that my problem would be keeping it off. I was fanatic about keeping track of foods. I use MyNetDiary on my iphone for this and it has been very helpful.
Next I met with Dr. Brengman and he concurred with my decision to have the sleeve. I had done a ton of research, so I didn't have a huge number of questions other than to confirm that he would do the things I had read led to success. For example, 34 bougie oversewn, testing for h.pylori, etc... I picked him because I appreciated his humor but verified that he was experienced enough for me with this kind of surgery. I also made sure that after surgery I would be getting good support. St. Mary's in Richmond, VA is a center of excellence for bariatric surgery. These guys know what they are doing.
In the weeks that followed, I worked through the documentation from my PCP (who also agreed that this was a good thing for me), had the psych check, and prepared mentally. I stopped drinking with my meals (one of the best things I did). I gave up sodas, coffee, and carb laden foods. I did water aerobics to get my strength and health up before surgery to help the surgeon do his job. I also attended two more support meetings so that I had my head in the game.
I reserved 2 weeks in July for vacation and for food funerals. I think this was healthy for me. It didn't cause me to gain weight but it did allow me to guage how much pleasure I really got with food as opposed to being healthy and helped me decide I'd made the right decision.
In August we submitted to insurance and a couple of weeks later I had my date 10/10/11.
I attended a nutrition course that was directed at bariatric and diabetic patients. Then a 4 hour prep course that laid out what to expect and how to eat in the 2 weeks prior and 6 weeks after surgery. St. Mary's and Dominion Surgical Associates really did a great job making sure I understood what was coming and how to be successful.
2 weeks prior to surgery I did my pre-admission testing. My weight then was down to 386 from my high of 420+. Clean bill of health except they did find me positive for h.pylori. I got a prescription for that and I've been taking it post surgery. Just a couple of days left of that thank goodness (8 big pills a day). This is very important. h.pylori can cause ulcers and worse so with a small stomach we need to be sure we have it taken care of.
For the next 2 weeks, I was on the liver shrinking diet. That really kicked my weight loss up. Also, I was on metformin and actos for diabetes and I stopped the metformin one week before surgery. I didn't cheat a single day. In my mind I thought this would help the surgeon by making it easier to do the surgery. Before they wheeled me in I told him that I had worked hard to make his job easy. Dr. Brengman replied "in turn I will make your life easy.". That has really stuck with me. After the liver shrinking diet I was down to 369.
The prep nurse and the anethesiologist were fantastic. They took great care getting me ready. I had a several hour wait before the actual surgery and I put my mind into being calm as I figured that stressing out would only cause my stomach to be more inflamed. So I went to my zen place and surrendered to the process. A new friend of mine that was recently sleeved - Bruce - wrote me before surgery and said "You have done all the work to get here, now just go to sleep and let the doctor do his job." Very wise.
My last memory before surgery was being wheeled into the OR. I don't recall getting sedated (other than the pre-op area) and my next memory was waking up in the recovery room. I was a bit disoriented and I let the nurse make me comfortable and just let the process resolve itself. This nurse (who's name I can't recall) and all of the nursing staff was outstanding in their care of me.
After a short time (I don't recall how long) I was wheeled into my private room. It was late in the day and my dear wife was waiting for me. My nurses and the assistants were nothing but helpful and kind. Janice the night nurse was especially important to me but to the person, I only got the best care. The ward I was in was only for bariatric patients and they really know what to do to help you out. Dr. Brengman visted me, his PA Stacy also visited me, and Ben came by as well on his own time just to check up on me.
I was in the hospital for 2 nights because I was slow taking fluids on the second day. Otherwise, it was a textbook recovery and I went home on Wednesday afternoon.
In the month that has followed, I have had almost all good days. I did have a bout of constipation one day, I've had a gout attack, and it has taken me until now to leave the recliner and sleep in bed. Last week I started the 3 week stall. In spite of that, I'm down to about 350.
70 pounds. Gone. I stopped taking Actos at the surgery and my blood sugars are great - diabetes meds are Gone. Today my blood pressure was 100/74 so I imagine I will be off my blood pressure pill soon. That will leave just my ppi and my gout meds from here out. That my friends is real progress.
So far, no ravenous hunger. No problems with small portions. I'm walking and making sure I get my protein and liquids in. It gets easier every day. Hannah (my dear wife) has been there with me every step of the way. She did the liver shrinking diet with me and is working on her diet now. I love her and this more than anything has helped me work through the issues of surgery.
I've decided to stay active with my friends through the early days. At 2 weeks out I went to my first concert with my best friend Clyde. All of my friends have been nothing but supportive and I'm looking forward to doing more with them than just meeting for dinner. They have been great at never making me feel bad about my weight, but I must tell you that I have thought I've been letting him down as a friend. The weight loss and health improvements will let me fix that. Other dear friends have visted me just before and since surgery. I usually have a hard time with attention being on me just because I'm a friend. I'm opening myself up to allow acceptance that people like me. In return, I owe it to them to be able to be a better friend in return. Friendship and activities are a great trade for loads of food - and I love food.
I went home with a drain - did not like. It stayed in for a week and was one of the parts of the surgery I could do without... however it was never so uncomfortable I couldn't handle it. My stomach area was sore up until this week but not so much pain that a tylenol once in a while didn't knock it down.
Today I got to have my first soft food (not pureed). In two weeks I should be on full foods. What I've come to realize is that I can't be successful by myself. I have to allow others to help me and to learn from them. Going forward I will need to be sure I don't forget that.
For those of you considering this, make sure it is for you, do the research, and then set your mind to change from the get go. Make no mistake, this is the real deal. It will affect every aspect of your life for better or worse. How positive it is for you may well be up to you. I ran into Dr. Brengman as I was leaving today. We exchanged pleasantries and I updated him on my progress. I said "You did a great job" and he said "You've done all the work." How great is that?
HW 420 SW 369 Pre-Op -51 lbs; M1-19;M2-15;M3-14;M4 -14;M5-13; M6- 14;M7-14;M8-10;M9-11;M10-11;M11-9;M12-7;M13-7;M14-5; M15-7; M16-8. M17-3. M18-6; M19-5. Goal of 200 (220 Lost) Reached Month 15. Goal of 180 (240 lost) reached at 18 months 10 days on 4/.20/13. 57% body weight lost@180. Now on maintenance. Low weight 169.
Beyond Goal
Sounds like you had a great surgeon and are doing wonderful! You and my hubby had similar starting weights, it's so exciting seeing the changes in him! I'm sure your wife is enjoying the new you, too! 
-Nancy 
HW 238 Starting Weight 227 Surgery Weight 212 CW 155
Height 5'5" Lost 9 lbs. pre-op, and another 6 lbs. on the liquid diet.
HW 238 Starting Weight 227 Surgery Weight 212 CW 155
Height 5'5" Lost 9 lbs. pre-op, and another 6 lbs. on the liquid diet.
Thanks Nancy. How far out is he and how has he done?
HW 420 SW 369 Pre-Op -51 lbs; M1-19;M2-15;M3-14;M4 -14;M5-13; M6- 14;M7-14;M8-10;M9-11;M10-11;M11-9;M12-7;M13-7;M14-5; M15-7; M16-8. M17-3. M18-6; M19-5. Goal of 200 (220 Lost) Reached Month 15. Goal of 180 (240 lost) reached at 18 months 10 days on 4/.20/13. 57% body weight lost@180. Now on maintenance. Low weight 169.
Beyond Goal
He had surgery the same day as I, August 27, so he's about 2.5 months out. Went in at 380, I think, and he's down to 335. Starting weight was 420. He had a bout with kidney stones soon after surgery and wasn't able to eat much for a couple weeks!
EDIT: His surgery weight was 390, I've been informed. :-)
EDIT: His surgery weight was 390, I've been informed. :-)
-Nancy
HW 238 Starting Weight 227 Surgery Weight 212 CW 155
Height 5'5" Lost 9 lbs. pre-op, and another 6 lbs. on the liquid diet.
HW 238 Starting Weight 227 Surgery Weight 212 CW 155
Height 5'5" Lost 9 lbs. pre-op, and another 6 lbs. on the liquid diet.
Wow, that is close to my stats. Good luck to you both.
HW 420 SW 369 Pre-Op -51 lbs; M1-19;M2-15;M3-14;M4 -14;M5-13; M6- 14;M7-14;M8-10;M9-11;M10-11;M11-9;M12-7;M13-7;M14-5; M15-7; M16-8. M17-3. M18-6; M19-5. Goal of 200 (220 Lost) Reached Month 15. Goal of 180 (240 lost) reached at 18 months 10 days on 4/.20/13. 57% body weight lost@180. Now on maintenance. Low weight 169.
Beyond Goal
Thanks Jfab 
HW 420 SW 369 Pre-Op -51 lbs; M1-19;M2-15;M3-14;M4 -14;M5-13; M6- 14;M7-14;M8-10;M9-11;M10-11;M11-9;M12-7;M13-7;M14-5; M15-7; M16-8. M17-3. M18-6; M19-5. Goal of 200 (220 Lost) Reached Month 15. Goal of 180 (240 lost) reached at 18 months 10 days on 4/.20/13. 57% body weight lost@180. Now on maintenance. Low weight 169.
Beyond Goal
tman0730
on 11/8/11 8:49 am
on 11/8/11 8:49 am
Thank you so much for your very honest and heart felt post! Coongratulations on your success! Sounds like you've really got your heart and mind in this so I know you are gonna do great!!
Take care of yourself and keep us posted!
Take care of yourself and keep us posted!
I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me. Phil 4:13
HW 270 Pre-OP 263 SW 256 CW 193 GW 155
HW 270 Pre-OP 263 SW 256 CW 193 GW 155
Thanks tman I will keep you posted and I look forward to seeing your success continue as well.
HW 420 SW 369 Pre-Op -51 lbs; M1-19;M2-15;M3-14;M4 -14;M5-13; M6- 14;M7-14;M8-10;M9-11;M10-11;M11-9;M12-7;M13-7;M14-5; M15-7; M16-8. M17-3. M18-6; M19-5. Goal of 200 (220 Lost) Reached Month 15. Goal of 180 (240 lost) reached at 18 months 10 days on 4/.20/13. 57% body weight lost@180. Now on maintenance. Low weight 169.
Beyond Goal
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