I had this surgery on 5/3/2010 after spending the better part of a year fighting my insurance company to pay for it. I was blessed to have Dr. Kim do my surgery. His staff is very patient when it comes to working with Insurance. On my birthday 4/19 I started with the pre-op diet and during this period I lost 22 lbs. My begining weight was 345 lbs. This morning I weighted in at 280 lbs which is 65 lbs lost in about 6 weeks.

I believe that alot of my success is due to the fact that I walk every day rain or shine, hot or cold. I was doing 27 miles a week and have stepped it up today to 5 miles a day. Dr. Kim told me that this surgery is a Tool that would inflict pain on my body if I abused it. I now know what he means.

My goal is to get to 185lbs. I was a diabetic on insulin and I have not had any injections in the last 4 weeks due to being able to control my diabeties with diet and excersize. I also suffered from high bloodpressure and now have no issues with my blood pressure. It has been amazing. My Cardiologist said that "You are saving your own life" and that means alot. I have already had a stint put in and another blockage opened up in the last year. I will be posting a blog and keeping in touch. If you have any questions I would love to hear from you.

Thanks

Jim Russell

Waxahachie, Texas:thumbup1:

Amazing job Jim!!!! You should be very proud of yourself!!

It is great to hear how many people are able to decrease their meds and medical issues by losing weight. That alone should encourage insurance companies to pay for the surgery. So stupid that many don't. Even for me, with a lower starting BMI, my insurance company has spent well over $50,000 in the last year alone for related issues with my back, sleep apnea, etc. Even my non-related digestion issues have disappeared post-op!

Congrats again on your weight loss and exercise! You are a huge encouragement to others!

5 miles a day is so impressive! I wish I could do that but my back pain prevents it (which I'm hoping will improve some with weight loss). I am walking about 50 mins a day right now but not sure the distance. My legs feel like they could go forever but my back gets all cramped up and needs rest at a certain point. I am so glad you are able to do this for yourself. Amazing progress and thanks for sharing your story! Now post pics!!!

That is great. I also have not had to take any high blood presure or diabetic meds.

My Cardiologist said that "You are saving your own life" and that means alot.

Inspiring words Jim. Well done on your recovery so far - keep up the good work.

Kathy

You're doing great! At this rate you'll be at your goal in no time!

What amazing results Jim ! ! ! Many congrats to you. . .

I spent a large part of my early childhood in Red Oak and Waxahachie, TX. About 1/3 of my family still reside there, and I miss it terribly.

Jim, my name is Jerry Williams. I have had a lot of the same problems you have had. Namely, Stint placement, Type II diabetic on insulin, and High Blood Pressure.

I was sleeved on May 20th. I have lost a total of 26 lbs so far. Your start weight was considerably more that my weight of 240 lbs when I started, so you will lose faster. I got the surgery for the primary reason of improving my health, esp. the diabetes. I would love to talk to you telephonically about your time lines for doing away with the insulin and the BP meds. What were the indicators to stopping the insulin? Was it daily testing? or HbA1c? How rapidly did your Blood Glucose levels come down?

I will try and private message you with my telephone number if you would be so kind to call me any evening. Thanks, it is great to have another male going through the same thing.

Jerry Williams

Hi Jim,

Welcome to the boards! You're doing fabulous!!

Your walking is phenomenol....I can't do it either because of my back. I'm trying to swim for exercise...but still haven't found a regular routine.

Oh well...I'll figure it out one of these days I guess.

What kind of things are you eating?

I never understand how people can just walk so far right off the bat...I haven't had surgery yet, and I'm at 280 lbs. My legs freakin' KILL me after about a block; it's like they're on fire, even if I stretch.

5/3/2010 must be our lucky day. I had my surgery on this day and have lost 68lbs so far. Good luck with your weight loss. 1SunMoney!