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

Recommended Posts

I grew up husky (as they called it). Never was thin. I graduated HS at over 200. Then my first year of college did alot of walking and went down 40 lbs or so. Then started creeping back up. Got pregnant 12 years out of HS and gained 60 lbs. I wasn't able to get rid of it. Went on to have 2 more kids (all c-section).

I started having more health problems, depression and severe back pain. More and more aches and pains. Migraines started coming on more frequently.

I started hearing more about gastric bypass but didn't want something so severe. Had some distant friends have the surgery and they had good success.

Starting hearing more about lap band and did some research. I liked the idea that it was reversible, and no major malnutrition. At the time the company I worked for wouldn't cover any weight loss medical stuff. Not even an appointment with a dr.

I switched companies and started to look at it more seriously. Went to a meeting that dr was holding at a local hotel. It all sounded good. I was ready!

I worked with the dr to see about how my insurance would pay for it. At the time I has BCBS of KY, even though I was in Colorado.

They said I needed 6 months of dr supervised weight loss visits to my primary care. I started going. Didn't loose any weight during this time, but I kept the appointments and did what I needed to.

Then I kept in touch with the case nurse of the lap band dr. It was amazing, apparently not many people stick with going to see the primary when the insurance forces them to. It's soooo easy to just go. I know it can be depressing, but if you don't go and complete it, they're definitely gonna turn you down.

In my 5th of my 6 months of visiting with my primary, I started making arrangements for the mental health eval with the bariatric dr.

I was done with my 6 months visting my primary. No weight loss. I think I might even have gained. We resubmitted the info to the insurance and I was approved.

I had the surgery in Greeley Colorado on March 23, 2006.

Things went well afterward.

The only issue I've had is swelling/too tight.

I have lost weight and switched dress sizes. Would I do it again....absoloutely!

It's not the cure all end all. Just this year I have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is something I've been seeing my primary for since 2004.

I was also diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in January. Which I had a finger sleep test from my primary and another one from the bariatric dr that came back negative.

I had a full sleep study in January and as of March 2008 have been using Positive Airway Pressure mask/machine at night.

My biggest struggle has been my fatigue. I work full time, have 3 kids and don't spend time on structured exercise. I am able to get out and walk, bike, etc.

I feel if I had exercised more, I would have lost more by now.

But it's still weight I have lost. I still struggle to eat better and make better choices.

I did have one point were I was unfilled .8 Cc's and gained 30 lbs back.

It's okay, it's all a continuous improvement plan.

I'm still down from a size 26 to and 18/20. I'll take that any day of the week.

I feel better, don't get aches in my knees and legs.

It is not a magic bullet. It does work on the hunger. Before surgery I would get ravenous. I wanted to eat anything and everything. There are times now where not eating doesn't bother me.

Stick with it! baby steps if need be! And by all means DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS! This is an indivual process. It may be quick or it may take longer.

But you will loose weight, feel better, eat better.

My dr said they have patients 5 years out that are still loosing weight.

If that's what it takes me, that's simply what it takes. Every day I learn a little more about this and how it works.

I was happy to ready earlier today that some women during menstruation tighten. I now think that's me and it's a nice piece to remember.

Good luck! Do what's right for you! If you choose to have this done, do your research and really analyze it. If you hear someone is bad, rethink it, don't push it under the rug.

They're are plenty of good dr's and staff out there!

Here's to all of us :biggrin:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well done, I have just been banded (4 days ago) and am so excited for the future. I think you having amazing perseverence, if I had to do all you had to do BEFORE being banded, I'm not sure I woud of been able to. Go girl!

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

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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. 💜

  • 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

    ×