The story has not ended yet. As I sit here not being able to sleep, I am thinking of the changes I have made in this journey. Initially I saw a primary doctor, who continues to treat me, for weight loss, etc. He had me on a diet, pills, exercise, and finally suggested lap band. He did not approve of the Gastric By-Pass. He then sent me to see a dietician first as he said that was required by the insurance. After three visits, and following her instructions with no positive results, I was given the surgeon to see. The surgeon has a team of people with him and at each visit you see the team. I started there in May of 2009 and in July of 2009, had the surgery. Prior to the surgery the surgeon also has a long list of requirements to go through prior to surgery: numerous lab work and tests, a Pre-operation diet, a visit with a psychiatrist, and measurements were taken for before operation numbers. Initally I felt nervous and sometimes after the surgery was concerned they would be upset if I had not lost enough weight. This was in my head, I have gained weight twice, once 1 1/2 pounds and once 2 pounds. My origional weight was 304 and now is 236 today. My biggest success is choosing better choices for myself, and my biggest struggle thus far is not cheating and having negative results.
