Jerry B.
2-19-09
Where do I start? I have not had my Lap-Band surgery yet, I’m five months into either a six or a twelve month pre-surgery program. The company I retired from changed insurance administrators on January 1st. After getting the OK for a six month program with the old Admin group in October of 2008, we found out the new carrier requires a 12 month pre-op plan. So, I’m hoping to get the OK for surgery by May, if not, then no later than next October. No problem, I’ve learned to be a patient man.
Like many others here, I have been heavy, over 300 pounds all of my adult life. I’ve tried every diet coming and going, all of them successfully, for a while. All the weight came back and more every time. I’ve been researching both the RNY and Lap-Band surgeries for several years and have six friends and acquaintances that have had one or the other done.
Six years ago I had decided to pursue the RNY surgery but before I could get started my wife of 37 years was diagnosed with incurable Multiple Myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow). I retired from my job of 30 years and dedicated myself to assisting her through her ordeal with all kinds of experimental protocol at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. I’m happy to say she is now currently cancer free and in full remission. Now, she and I both agree, it is my turn.
I have had high blood pressure for years, taking medication for over 35 years. I’ve been type two diabetic for about six years and take medication for that. I’ve also been diagnosed with sleep apnea but refused to “sleep on a rope”, wired to a breathing machine. Add to the list Hyperlipidemia, an elevation of lipids in the bloodstream. These lipids include cholesterol, cholesterol esters, estersphospholipids and triglycerides. ALL THE TYPICAL HEALTH HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH BEING OBESE.
Also, I’m of European decent having been raised on meat, potatoes, and bread, every meal, everyday. Also, while growing up I was punished if I did not clean my plate at every meal because of all those starving kids in Africa. You know the drill. But really, I’ve been habitually hungry all my life and tried to fill that hunger. AND I LOOK IT.
I started last October with my initial doctor’s visit at the weight loss center at 303.5 pounds. Actually three pounds lower than what my old scales at home read. I’ve since updated to a digital scale and it mostly agrees with the one at the weight loss center. Last Tuesday at my 4th month check up I weighed in at 282 pounds (down 21.5 pounds). My pre-surgery weigh loss target was 288 pounds, so I’ve passed that goal. I have my required dietetic classes in, have the first of two required physiological evaluations scheduled for next Monday morning and will be doing the pre-op medical tests next month (later part of March). We are making progress.
I’ve been reading posts here for the last three days after being told of the website and I’m impressed with the information shared and support given by everybody here. It will be a resource I plan on using and hopefully will some day be able to help others with down the road.
