Lisa Hull
I started my weight loss quest on my 40th birthday (10/05). Frustrated and tired of the diet yo-yo's I knew there had to be a better way. I researched various options on the internet and discussed my options with my physician. She agreed I needed to do something and helped me document my medical history for ultimate approval. She recommended that I attend a weight loss seminar at Dartmouth-Hitchock Medical Center in Lebanon New Hampshire. As suggested, I did; I was very surprised to see the large number of folks who, like me, where also looking for a "tool" to help them lose weight.
By Christmas, I had completed all the lab, ultra sound, and physc evaluation requirements . . . I was on my way. I had lost 8 lbs of the needed 15lb weight loss for the program. In January, it was determined that I had gallstones and needed to have surgery, being ill from them I proceeded with the surgery. The surgery set me back and I ultimately regained the lost weight. Since, DHMC requires the weight loss before they will officially put you in the program, I decided to look for a new program.
In June, I found the program at BayState Medical Center. Their program didn't have a weight loss requirement. I met with the Surgeon and was pleased with our conversation. He understood that I was looking for a tool to help me with my weight loss and that I understood that it wasn't a quick fix. I eagerily await my surgery which is scheduled for October 31, 2006.
My surgery was scheduled for October 31st. Two weeks prior I commenced the protein shake diet. On October 30th, I learned that my COBRA benefits were not activated and my surgery was postponed till November 7th. With disappointment, I continued with the protein shake diet. On November 7th I weighed in at BSMC 16 lbs lighter. I faced the surgery with great excitement and hope.
The surgery did have pain associated with it however, I found the pain to be less than many of the other surgeries I had. I was discharged the morning after surgery and actually went shopping on the way home. I took three days to recouperate and returned to work. I can say three days is probably not enough time to recouperate. I found myself light headed and continously broke out in cold sweats . . . Not a good move on my part.
I'm now two weeks post op and feel great! I've lost 35lbs to date and I'm eager to lose more. I've learned that even though it doesn't feel like there is anything on my stomach . . . it is there! I guess I had to prove it to my mind and ultimately tested my new stomach with a "bite" of bagel. My new stomach doesn't like hard things . . . it will purge things it doesn't like.
Friends have asked me . . ."would you do it again", my response has consistently been yes. I'm grateful I didn't have to have the long recouperation associated with the GB or sleeve procedure and I have a bright weight loss future ahead of me.
I wish you well in your weight loss quest!!
In April of 2009 I started experiencing issues with everything I ate or drank, in May I had to have my lapband removed due to dysmotility of my lower esophogas. The surgeon believes once things calm down I can have it reinstalled.
