My story is likely similar to many who will read this. Except for a brief period in my life between sophomore year of high school in 1982 through undergraduate college graduation in 1988, I've always struggled with my weight. I've never been an emotional eater, just simply a person who's always been hungry. My parents still kid me occasionally about my appetite growing up and how much money I cost them.  Unfortunately, my appetite is still strong as my metabolism has slowed over the years.

In 2005, while still living in
Athens, Ohio, I was approved for gastric bypass surgery at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus. Right around that time, a study was released in the New England Journal of Medicine about the risks of gastric bypass surgery. Subsequently, when a summary of the study hit the newspapers, I lost the support of my immediate and extended family and cancelled the procedure. As I look back and reflect on the decision, I’m glad I did not have the gastric bypass surgery. Through additional research, I have found that the Lap Band procedure is the right procedure for me. 

As I prepare for surgery in less than a month, I have the following medical conditions that led me to make the decision to have weight loss surgery: 

High blood pressure
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Joint problems from years of abuse as an athlete (ankles and knees)
Degenerative arthritis in my lower back
Pre-diabetic (both parents are Type 2 diabetics)
High Cholesterol
High Triglycerides
Fatigue
Headaches and migraines

I chose the Lap Band procedure since it is right for my individual needs. I am willing to lose the weight slowly, I like that it is reversible, and I like that the risks of major side effects are much lower. I am finally ready for surgery. For years I have thought about it and then talked myself out of it. I kept thinking that if I had surgery I would be a loser since I couldn't do it on my own. Fortunately, my ego has now let me accept that I need help in order to be around for my wife and son and our future together as a family.

About Me
Age at Surgery: 42
Height: 6'0"
Weight Before Beginning Liquid Diet: 274.4 lbs.
Weight Goal: 195 lbs.
Occupation: College Professor
Family: Married with a son

My Timeline
Surgery: 7/29/08
Third Support Group Meeting: 7/28/08
Pre-Admission Testing: 7/21/08
Pre-Op History and Physical: 7/21/08
Beginning of Liquid Diet: 7/15/08
Second Support Group Meeting: 7/28/08
First Support Group Meeting: 7/28/08
Insurance Approval: 6/26/08
Insurance Submission by Dr. Mecenas: Approximately 4/15/08
Submission of Risk Understanding Letter: 4/9/08
Requested Letter from Family Physician to Dr. Mecenas: 4/9/08
Upper GI Scan at Cayuga Medical Center: 4/10/08
Second Meeting with Dr. Mecenas: 3/31/08
Meeting with Dietician (Megan Moran): 3/5/08
Meeting with Psychologist (Dr. D'Ortona): 2/8/08
Initial Consultation with Dr. Mecenas: 1/7/08

Measurements Before Liquid Diet/Surgery (7/15/08)
Neck: 18"

Chest: 49"

Biceps: 15 3/4" (relaxed)
Waist: 47" (pants size 42")

Quad: 24" (relaxed)

Calf: 17" (relaxed)

About Me
Cortland, NY
Location
30.5
BMI
Surgery
07/29/2008
Surgery Date
Jun 11, 2007
Member Since

Friends 8

Latest Blog 15
Finally - An Update
Home from the Hospital
Day of Surgery!!
Modified Minestrone Soup Recipe (no beans or pasta)
Tomato and Spinach Soup Recipe
Broccoli with Garlic and Soy Sauce Recipe
Smashed Garlic Cauliflower Recipe

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