Andrew G. Hargroder, MD

Crazy easy and so worth it. Lost about 70 pounds. Have put back on 10 or so over the years but a lot easier to decide to take it off now that I have the smaller stomach... I felt it was much safer in my opinion and I did not really qualify for any other surgeries because by BMI was right on the border. Not magic but pretty darn close....

Hello I decided to try and keep a sort of journal documenting my vsg experience. I have researched it for a year and now I know that this would be the best option for me. I have struggled with my weight since childhood and have done many diets, only losing between 5-10 lbs. I think the reason why I never felt the need for the surgery earlier is because I honestly never felt unhealthy. Yes, I was/am a big girl but I could still do everything my smaller friends could do without feeling out of breath or out of shape. It's a completely different story now. I am at the beginning of my weight loss journey weighing 296 lbs, height 5'8, and age 26. I have already picked my doctor and am just waiting to see if my insurance will cover the surgery. I am supposed to hear back by the end of the week. *** fingers crossed*** Updated on 1 Feb 2017: So, they didn't call last week. I called the coordinator I am working with and asked what was going on. She told me that doctor needed me to fill out some forms that had not yet been completed. So now I'm supposed to hear back this week. I'm really nervous. I'm hoping I qualify. Updated on 2 Feb 2017: Let me just preface this by saying that my worst fear in this journey is 1) having the surgery and gaining all the weight back/not losing any weight and/or 2) being told I'd have to go through a 6-12 month program before having the surgery. I just feel like I've been researching this for a year and to be told to wait another year would feel like a huge blow. I know that might sounds crazy, but that's just where I was. Anyway I did hear back from Hargroder's office. They are asking me to complete a 12 week program before submitting a request for the surgery. I'm ok with that. I'm super happy!!! I've gone through so many emotions while waiting and to be this close is almost tear jerking. I also need to find a nutritionist to monitor my program. I've been working with women's hospital, so I'm going to email them again if they can refer me to one of their nutritionist. So close!!!!! Updated on 22 Feb 2017: I met with my PCP!!! Hated the whole experience. Honestly, I couldn't remember why I stopped going to him, but after waiting in his office for an hour before he came in and dealing with a rude receptionist I remembered. He was not for the procedure. He basically told me I was too young without any comorbid conditions (I think I'm saying that right) to actually need the procedure. He then asked me if I tried exercising...Seriously! Needless to say, once I had my visit with my surgeon/nurse and nutritionist I asked them if it was okay to change. They completely understood the situation and assured me it was fine. I'm hoping to start using this new app I found on my insurance website called Doctors on Demand. It seems promising and I don't have to travel across town to see him/her. I've also gotten in touch with a weight loss psychologist. I just want to make sure that while I'm changing myself physically, mentally and emotionally I am changing (or staying in shape). I am a little nervous though because initially, I wanted to start a fitness routine before my surgery that way I could quickly pick it back up once I did have the surgery. However, after talking with everyone I'm worried that because I don't have any diseases backing up my obesity that if I lose too much then my insurance won't pay for it....another problem, for another day Some good news is that I found out my copay is only $300 and some odd dollars so that makes me ecstatic. Basically what I'm working on next is getting my psych eval done, 2 months of PCP/nutritionist visits, short term goals I set with the nutritionist, and trying to sleep. I've definitely been lacking in that department. Also, eventually I will post pics of my body post surgery. I'm just being lazy. Apologies.

I am a 38 years old with twins that are now 11 years of age. I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer last year and both of my thyroids were removed at seperate times. I have always been overweight and have tried every diet you can name. I was successful in 2009 and lost 75 lbs but regained it back. My target surgery date is 11/10/15, and I am very scared, and i have been debating over my decision. My family is extremely apprehensive about me going through the surgery, but are supportive in whatever decision I make. Updated on 26 Oct 2015: Updated on 11 Nov 2015: Had my surgery yesterday. Everything went well. Thank you Jesus!! I was walking two hours after surgery. Just been having gas pain.