Neal R.
I am not much of a writter but I thought I would give this a go. I have a similar story to most people on this site. I have been heavy most of my life. My brother was the skinny one. My mother always tells the story of us eating. She would have to tell my brother to take another bite and to tell me not to take another bite.
Fast forward a bit. I have always been heavy but healthy. Like my dad always said about himself - I was in good shape for the shape I was in. A couple of years ago that started to change. After a physical, I learned that I was pre-diabetic and my blood pressure was elevated. My doctor called to have me come back so he could put me on medication for them, but being the stubborrn man that I am, I never went back. I have lost suggnificant weight in the past, but have never been able to maintained. I always gain back more that I lost. The classic yo-yo effect. I looked into WLS surgery a several years ago, but my insurance at the time made it near impossible with all the hoops I had to jump through. I gave up on it.
Then last year, my company switched to United Health Care. It was like an eppidemic of my co-workers getting WLS (both RNY and lapband). I personally know about 2 or 3 dozen people who have had one or the other. I decided it was worth looking into again.
My wife was really opposed to me having the RNY because of the higher risks involved and said she would be OK with lapband. I was ok with either because I am a firm beleiver in when its your time to go, its your time to go no matter what you are doing. But, to keep peace, I dealved fully into finding out more about the lapband. It was the bast thing I could have done and I thank my wife for being so supportive. I knew I would have to work with the band to be successful, but was willing to put forth the effort. Plus, seeing others at work that had been through it previously, I saw that both the RNY and the lapband could be eaten around and not successful. Sometimes I think people forget its just a tool and not the magic potion to loose weight. Just my 2 cents.
Fast forward again. I picked my surgeon after talking to friends. I picked Dr. Cribbens. I could not have been happier with my experience. I went for a seminar/consultation and then had surgery 5 weeks to the day later. I didn't have to lift a finger for my insurance. I went to my psych evaluation adn my sleep study and Dr Cribbens office did the rest. Easiest thing I have ever done. It saddens me to read the stories others have had to endure when trying to get approved.
As I write this, I am 6 1/2 months post op and am down 122 pounds to 209 pounds. I am amazed myself. Dr Cribbens goal for was to get to 226 based on averages. I met his goal in 5 1/2 months. I have set a personal goal of 170 pounds and to be under 200 pounds by new years (it's Nov. 24th as I type.)
I thought I would be completely satisfied just by loosing weight, but I am now finding myself increasingly intreaged at getting a lower body lift in the future. I have a lot of loose skin. I want to get closer to my goal and wait for a while to see how much the skin tightens on its own first. But I know that no amount of excercise will flatten my tummy. 36 years of being fat have definately taken its toll on my skin. I bet I would loose at least 20 to 25 pounds just getting rid of the loose skin.
I will try to post updates every onece in a while, but no promises :). Please feel free to send me a message or visit my personal homepage.
About Me
Before & After
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