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

Recommended Posts

I started off in the Sleeve forum but after days of research, I believe RNY is better for me since I have GERD.


Hi all, I'm Dawn and just turned 40. I have been over 230 pounds since 2002. That's the year I got married and moved to Texas (San Antonio) where Tex Mex food became my best friend. I have been every size and have tried every diet. I got down to my smallest adult size when I was 21 and went from a 12 to a 4 in 2 months because I was a nanny at the beach. I walked, rode my bike, swam, walked on the beach, played with the kids and ate light because I was so busy...and the weight melted off of me without even trying. Why can't it do that again!? :)



I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2005 and have not been able to get it under control. I did lose about 35 lbs after I had my first child. I ran a half marathon, started yoga, and got down to my lowest weight (in a long time!) of 206. Then I got pregnant with my second and just let myself pile the weight back on. I've been at about 250 since 2013. Despite my weight woes, I stay active and go to boxing 3x a week, walk, and go to yoga when I can fit it in. I also do Beachbody Body Pump and other at-home workout dvds. It's the eating that is just not under control!



I went for a free seminar with a local surgeon in May but didn't continue after that visit. I meet with a different surgeon on Thursday for an actual consult and I am so freaking excited.



I have two little girls who are 4 1/2 and almost 2. My 4 year old has made innocent comments such as "is there a baby in your belly?" and "why is your tummy so big?" and I have had to fight to stay composed and not break down in front of her. I don't want her to think I am ashamed. I don't say the word fat around her and never want her to know that word...but the reality is that I am miserable and unhealthy and not a good example for my own daughters. The other night at bedtime, she called me a heifer/heffer. She has no idea what it means and I have no idea where she learned that word - but I started thinking "did one of her friends at daycare call me that?" I am doing this for ME but I do not want my children to suffer teasing or be embarrassed because they have a fat mom.



I work full time from home as a government contracts program manager. I work for a wonderful company that is flexible so now is the right time to get this started. I discussed with my husband and he fully supports me. He has loved me at every weight and I couldn't do it without his support!



Thank you all for sharing your stories and experiences so freely here. I hope to add to the knowledge and conversation as my journey moves forward. <3


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Dawn!

Welcome and congrats on your decision! My only guess...age. I did weight watchers after the birth of my youngest son... Seemed almost effortless. In 4 months I'd lost nearly 60#s. No matter what I did after the that I couldn't lose again.

You'll lose this time, for sure. Now you just need to find that motivation to get that active once again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome, Dawn! Don't feel alone with your past failed diet attempts. We've all been there and done that.

Congrats on considering weight loss surgery. You will find a lot of information and support here to help you along the way!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had severe acid reflux (GERD) prior to surgery. That is why I went with RNY. I am 28 months post-op and acid reflux is a distant memory now. Good luck on your surgery.

PCOS can cause weight gain and make it difficult to lose weight. Maybe someone on this site can tell you their personal experience with PCOS pre surgery and how surgery affected them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Dawn & Welcome!

Obesity is a metabolic disease that fights against you losing and more importantly keeping the weight off. That is why when you lose a bunch you put that much back on and then some.

Believe me, it gets harder and harder to lose the older you get when you have this metabolic disease.

Congratulations on taking steps to get healthy both for yourself and your daughters. I wish I would have made this decision when I was 40, I might not have caused such damage to my spine and joints had I done so. I always say my only regret is not doing this much sooner!

I also just wanted to say, I ended up going the RNY route as well because I had severe Gerd and was on the max dose of meds for it. I have not had a single episode of Gerd or even basic heartburn since my surgery. They had me take a small dose of Nexium for about 30 days and I have been off that medication ever since.

I am one year post op and down 121lbs!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My update!

I met with my surgeon today and he was so wonderful. We both decided on bypass based on my GERD.

My first nutrition seminar is next week as well as my sleep doctor consultation. My endoscopy is scheduled for the 22nd! I have a lot more to do (psych, ultrasound, blood work, EKG, referral letter from PCP, weight history, sleep study) and I'm going to start chipping away at making the appointments tomorrow!

I think I would be way more overwhelmed if I hadn't found this place and read about so many of your experiences. Thank you! And a big shout out to @ who has been so patient with my questions. :) <3

Edited by VirginiaDee

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dawn thank you for the shout out! That is so sweet. It has been a pleasure. I am glad you like the office and drs as much as I do! It helps we have the same insurance. I am over the moon excited for you!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Dawn!

Welcome and congrats on your decision! My only guess...age. I did weight watchers after the birth of my youngest son... Seemed almost effortless. In 4 months I'd lost nearly 60#s. No matter what I did after the that I couldn't lose again.

You'll lose this time, for sure. Now you just need to find that motivation to get that active once again.

Not to jack the thread, but your new profile pic is amazing! Your face looks so slim!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@dgmohr - your stories and bits of advice are so positive and uplifting! I just love to see what you write. Congrats on 121#!! That is amazing! Please do share how you did it and at what level/timeframe from surgery. For those of us going into surgery soon, what should we expect as far as weight loss (knowing everyone can be different), but it's also frightening to read how many are not losing much. Any insight you can share and when we can start exercising, how much to expect to lose would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance ❤️

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Dawn!

Welcome and congrats on your decision! My only guess...age. I did weight watchers after the birth of my youngest son... Seemed almost effortless. In 4 months I'd lost nearly 60#s. No matter what I did after the that I couldn't lose again.

You'll lose this time, for sure. Now you just need to find that motivation to get that active once again.

Not to jack the thread, but your new profile pic is amazing! Your face looks so slim!!!

Thanks!! I actually couldn't believe that was me after taking the pic. I still want to lose 80ish pounds... I worry what my face will looks like then.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I already feel like a kid on Christmas Eve! My first nutritional counseling session is tomorrow and it kicks off my 90 day program for BCBS FEP!

So far I have:

-gotten my weights for insurance submission

-scheduled PCP visit for blood work, urinalysis, and EKG

-scheduled endoscopy with surgeon

-inquired on psych eval but am using behavioral specialist at surgeon's office instead

-sleep doctor consult scheduled for this week

Remaining list:

-Ultrasound

-X-Ray

-Psych eval through surgeon's office

-Complete nutritional sessions

It's so much less overwhelming when I list it out and break it down! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I met with the behavioral specialist and dietitian today and they were both so wonderful! I especially felt a connection with the behavioral specialist. She was kind and honest and supportive and just so amazing. I am so happy that @ talked about Bluepoint! My two additional classes will be online and they are already scheduled! :)

Based on my history and our consultation, I'll be satisfying the psych eval with Bluepoint and won't have to go see a psychologist 3 times! That is a huge relief!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So happy you are having a great experience! I liked her a lot too! She was so easy to talk to! Girl, you are gonna be having surgery in no time!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Woohoo! more items checked off of my list!

Weights for insurance submission

Primary Care consult/establish PCP relationship

Blood work (11 vials!!) :blink:

Psych Eval

Urinalysis

EKG

Chest X-Ray

-Sleep consult - 11/5 (I had to cancel last week's because my 2 year old broke her ankle at daycare) :(

-Sleep study (TBD)

-Ultrasound - 10/21

-Endoscopy - 10/22

-Complete nutritional sessions (Nov/Dec scheduled!)

I'm trying to get as much done as I can before December because of the holidays and all the associated crazy schedules. It feels so good to check things off of my list.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Weights for insurance submission


Primary Care consult/establish PCP relationship


Blood work (11 vials!!) :blink:


Psych Eval


Urinalysis


EKG


Chest X-Ray


-Sleep consult - 11/5 (I had to cancel last week's because my 2 year old broke her ankle at daycare) :(


-Sleep study (TBD)


-Ultrasound - 10/21


-Endoscopy - 10/22


-Complete nutritional sessions (Nov/Dec scheduled!)



My endoscopy was yesterday and my surgeon discovered a hiatal hernia which he said he can fix during surgery. My blood tested positive for h.pylori so he also did a biopsy to test for that - and then if that is positive we'll deal with treating that.


I have my sleep study consult coming up and the sleep study itself will be the biggest appointment I have left!


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

    • KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
      Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
      A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
      https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
      I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
      Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Some days I feel like an infiltrator... I'm participating in society as a "thin" person. They have no idea that I haven't always been one of them! 🤣
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • ChunkCat

      Thank you everyone for your well wishes! I totally forgot I wrote an update here... I'm one week post op today. I gained 15 lbs in water weight overnight because they had to give me tons of fluids to bring my BP up after surgery! I stayed one night in the hospital. Everything has been fine except I seem to have picked up a bug while I was there and I've been running a low grade fever, coughing, and a sore throat. So I've been hydrating well and sleeping a ton. So far the Covid tests are negative.
      I haven't been able to advance my diet past purees. Everything I eat other than tofu makes me choke and feels like trying to swallow rocks. They warned me it would get worse before it gets better, so lets hope this is all normal. I have my follow up on Monday so we'll see. Living on shakes and soup again is not fun. I had enough of them the first time!! LOL 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×