Andrew Averbach, MD, FACS

At 36, I can honestly say that I have tried it all to lose and maintain my weight - - from Jenny Craig at 17 to Physicians Weight Loss at 33, my weight has gone up and down every couple years. In fact, myresponse to people who haven't seen me in a while is "I'm like Oprah.. You never know if you will see Big Oprah or Little Oprah". LOL But the time has come for me to stop the rhythm of my weight.. No more highs and lows.. On 4 December 2015, I started processing for Bariatric Surgery. Since I am always enrolled in a supervised weight loss program of some type, my insurance did not make me complete a 3 or 6 month supervised program through my surgeon's office. On Tuesday 22 December 2015 my surgery was approved and I am scheduled to have Gastric Bypass surgery on 27 January 2016!!! Stay Tuned In.. Updated on 16 Jan 2016: Updated on 21 Jan 2016: Updated on 29 Jan 2016: It all happened so fast.. I only remember seeing my mom leave the prep room before they wheeled me up for surgery and then waking up in the recovery room.. The last few days in the hospital were rough but now that I am home at my mother's house, I feel a lot better.. In fact, the pain has subsided a bit and I am now taking Tylenol for a pain killer. Updated on 10 Feb 2016: Today's Post-op appointment with Dr. A went well. My recovery is on track and in only 2 weeks, I have lost 23 lbs. Updated on 18 Feb 2016: Updated on 12 Mar 2016: 6 weeks post-op and down 33% of excess body weight!! As of today, I have lost 40lbs. Updated on 4 Apr 2016: Last week, I had my 2 month follow up and the Nutritionalist said that I was very close to reaching my 3 month weight loss goal. Today, less than a week later, I hit it!! I have lost 50lbs., which is 33% of my excess body weight!! Stay encouraged everyone!! Updated on 25 Apr 2016: Tomorrow will be 3 Months since I had my Gastric Bypass and 58 lbs. have said good bye forever!! Updated on 10 Jun 2016: I finally made it... ONEDERLAND!!!! Gastric Bypass: 01-26-2016 SW/HW: 270 CW: 199.4 In just 4 Months & 2 Weeks, 70.6 pounds out of my life!!!!! Thx Dr. A.!!! Updated on 7 Jan 2017: Almost one year out and I feel pretty AWESOME!! Updated on 19 Apr 2017: While my weight loss has slowed down significantly, I feel awesome and do not regret the decision to have the surgery at all. It was the best decision I have ever made despite what others said.

HELLO ALL!!! I’m excited about my weight loss journey!! I have been down this path too many times and I’m hoping that this time will be different. I remember I was almost a size 16 when I was 12 years old and throughout the years I pretty much stayed the same size until I started having children and all of the sudden, I felt like I lost myself. I’m done with fad diets and totally committed to making a lifestyle change!! I have to live for myself and continue along side my husband with raising our three children. In a few weeks, my life is going to change dramatically!! I am looking forward to getting the call for “approval”. This website has provided me so much encouragement and I’m hoping I can be encouraging to others. Updated on 27 Jan 2014: Back in December of 2012 when I found out that I was pregnant with my third child, I weighed about 245 pounds. When I delivered on August 9, 2013, I weighed 317 pounds. That is the heaviest I ever been in my entire life. By October of 2013 I weighed 280, I lost some of the baby weight but I still have a long way to go. I currently fluctuate plus or minus 5 pounds but usually hold steady at about 276. In November, I went to visit my primary care doctor in hopes to get a prescription for Phentermine. I used Phentermine off and on from 2007-2012. It is a great appetite suppressant and helped me to shed a few pounds but after you stop taking the pills, the pounds come right back on. My doctor denied my request and gave me 2 options, lose the weight on your own or consider weightloss surgery. She strongly suggested that I try it the “natural” way but told me that many people had success with weightloss surgery. After a few weeks of research and help from websites like this one, I knew in my heart what I wanted to do. Updated on 27 Jan 2014: I’m so excited I completed almost all of my requirements!! I had my last supervised visit with my Primary Care Physician on January 10th. I did all the lab stuff, saw the psychologist, got all my prior weight documentation, and I did my sleep study (not required by my insurance though). My last final step is part 2 to my nutrition class which is scheduled for tomorrow!!! The surgical coordinator said she penciled me in for February 20th pending my insurance clearance. She told me MY insurance company (Carefirst BCBS) moves fairly quick with approvals, I’m crossing my fingers. Prayerfully, my surgery date will be finalized by the end of this week!! Updated on 27 Jan 2014: Updated on 27 Jan 2014: Updated on 3 Feb 2014: OH MY LANTA!!! I got the call today, at about 4:05pm, I HAVE BEEN APPROVED!!!!I can’t believe my surgery date is around the corner!!! Am I really ready?? I’m getting so nervous and excited!! I really hope I have what it takes to do this. This is such a big commitment. Updated on 24 Mar 2014: Gotta keep moving!! SW:279 CW: 248 It has been a month so far since my procedure. I think things will get better along the way. This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I spent months looking at photos of others and how happy they look in their new bodies. I forgot that it is a process to go through, I’m not going to reach my goal overnight. This is not an easy journey, but I know it has made me stronger already! I pay attention to so many food labels, it crazy!