Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

New-My introduction.



Recommended Posts

Hi everyone!

My name is Sally and I am a hopeful 21 year old from Houston, TX wanting to get "banded". I'm 5'10'' and currently weigh a whopping 265 lbs with the BMI of 38. Fortunetly, I don't have any health issues (other than obesity, of course) but I am well on my way seeing as how both of my parents are diabetic and have high blood pressure. My mom is currently in the process of trying to get approved for a gastric bypass surgery.

I tried my first diet (the Atkins diet) at the mere age of 15. I lost 40 lbs and found myself gaining some it back within a year,so I tried Weight Watchers. I lost another 20 lbs and was at my lowest weight ever-160 lbs! It was my junior year of high school and I felt and looked great, little did I know that I would put all of that hard work down the drain. By senior year, I had gained 20 lbs but was still "skinny". Fast forward through college and to tell you the truth, I don't know how I got to weigh 265 lbs. It's insane and really depressing. I am trying extremely hard to watch what I eat and I just end up yo-yo dieting. I haven't had a period in 7 months and I'm sure it's because of my obesity. My weight has fluctated drastically within the past 6 years and because of this, I find it extremely hard to "diet" and stay on a "diet". I'm at my peak and don't know what else to do and I try my hardest to put a smiling face for my husband, when deep inside, I'm the saddest that I could be.

I am so young and newly married and I have my whole life ahead of me, I don't want to live it being obese and sad.

I felt like my prayers were answered last month when I saw a commercial for the lap band surgery. I quickly approached my husband and mom about it and they both said I was crazy (yes, even my mom). They said that I'm not "big enough" for the surgery and I just need to get on a diet. I listened to them and figured they were right.

Then last night I had a dream that I got the surgery. It felt so real and words cannot explain how excited I was in the dream. I woke up to sadly realized that it didn't really happen but I feel like this was my sign to go for it. I am now excited as ever and I approached my mom and husband about it once again. My husband gave me his blessing and surprisngly, my mom said I should go for it.

Now I'm doing tons of research and taking my first steps to getting the surgery. I am a newbie at heart so any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sorry for the long novel but once I start, it seems I can't stop!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

By the way, let me just add that my mom's choice of doctor was Dr. Spivak from Houston, TX. I'm going to be going to same one and just wondering if any of ya'll had him as your surgeon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome, and GOOD FOR YOU! Way to take things into your own hands and get control of your weight. I know there are many people on here who have used Dr. Spivak and who have said lots of good things about him. Perhaps you should do a search of his name on this site and see what you come up with. I know there is a Texakana support group--maybe they are connected with him? I don't know but remember seeing the two names/groups together in posts.

Do all the research you can! It's just so incredibly helpful to know what to ask your doctor, how to be informed about complications, what to expect from insurance and self-pay options, how to deal with the pre- and post-surgery diets, etc., etc., etc. There is SO much information here--I spent almost a month before I was banded just researching this site alone and more time researching my doctor, the procedure, etc. There is so much to think about and absorb.

I'm just over a month out of surgery and have my first appt. to see about a fill on Monday. I'm excited but nervous; however, I'm so much less nervous having read so much about fills and everyone's experiences. If you go to the thread call "March 2007 Bandsters" you can get a good idea of how surgery went for all the people banded in March. Now they are posting in the thread "Marchies in April" and that gives you a good idea of what is going on now. There are so many helpful threads I could point you to but those are good starters--just explore, explore, explore, and ask lots of questions.

Here's a helpful site that your mom may find interesting as well, since you are considering different surgeries: http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html

Good luck to you and to your mother as well. You are going to accomplish great things!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×