Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
Patient Testimonial for BMI of Texas and Dr. Terive Duperier
March 01, 2009
MY JOURNEY:
I had my Laparoscopic RNY on Aug 9, 2004 at Methodist Hospital by Dr. Terive Duperier. One of the greatest gifts & decisions I have made in my life. I am 5’2” & when I started this journey I weighed 249 lbs-BMI 45.5. Today 41/2 yrs later, I am maintaining about a 95 lb weight loss & a BMI of 29. I feel wonderful, have energy, & a healthy future.
I have struggled all my life with weight. Growing up I was always active, playing tennis, softball, marching band & all ways outdoors-but heavy for my age. Even into adulthood I continued to play softball & do all my own yard work. As I got into my 60’s my health was beginning to show the effects of my weight. I was diagnosed with diabetes, hypertenstion, & Heart Disease. When I had to have two Heart Stents-that was a real wake up call. My husband had passed away in 1999 after a long illness & I did not want that for myself or for my two daughters to go thru what I had done with my husband. Time To Take Care Of Myself…
This was not a decision I made lightly. I did a lot of research-read, talked with experts, & visited support meetings. I had already retired & had no idea that being 60 or over put you in another whole category, so I contacted my insurance-got all the information of what they would require. I knew what I had to do for myself & I was ready. I contacted NDWLS, went to a seminar and was paired with Dr. Terive Duperier-already knew Dr. Duperier, but that’s another story. Between the efficient staff helping with the paperwork & getting the necessary referrals, I was approved very quickly.
My surgery was very uneventful. I was off my Diabetes meds before I left the hospital. I had no problems, came home & started learning to “listen to my pouch” and live day by day. My blood-pressure meds have been reduced & my heart problems will always be there, but they are very much in control and I can look forward to a long life. The few small bumps in this journey were usually fixed with a call or visit to Dr. Duperier. I would hope that my story is not unusual & that most people have as smooth journey as I have.
I did not go into this journey in order to have make my life perfect. It will not make you more interesting or attractive to people or make all your dreams come true. It is a journey & you can improve yourself, but at the end of the day you are still the person you have always been inside. Support is very important-no matter if you get it from meetings, the internet, friends, family or from within yourself-just be sure it is the kind of support YOU need.
What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?
My health had started to really suffer after a lifetime of being overweight. I was always active. I played in a Womans Softball League, tennis and did my own yard-trees and all.
I had started on diabetes meds, following the same path as my Mother & Brother. I also had heart disease that would only get worse with time.
It was hard to travel and do the things I needed to take care of my home.
If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?
Some of my WOW moments
Cross my legs..
Put on a hospital gown & have it cover you…Hooray
Come into a group or meeting late & no one notices you...
Walk down the aisle of an airplane & fit in the seat comfortably-not have people praying that you
are not their seatmate.
Take a Cruise or travel & not have to worry about your accommodations or how far you will
have to walk on this outing…..Just enjoy all of it…
Keep up with your daughters walking from the parking lot to the Spurs games…
Sit in your Plaza level Spurs seat comfortably...Go Spurs Go
I've lost 100 lbs.
I started with the beginning of diabetes and heart disease that would only progress.
This decision probably saved my life.
I know that it has greatly extended my quality of life.
The decision for WLS was made after a great deal of research.
New Dimensions Weight Loss made the decision easier. Their attention to detail, professionalism, seminars, testing and follow-up was far superior to any other group. I am pleased to see that you and My sergeon Dr. Duperier & Dr. Seger have continued these high standards at BMI of Texas-their new practice.
As I'm knocking on the door of 70, my cardiologist is very happy.
I have had a third stent, but that is just part of my heart disease. I'm not worried, as WLS has given me a chance to move forward.
I've traveled and done things I would never attempted 8 years ago.
August 09, 2004-RNY
smh60
