Glen F. Strickland, MD

I had lapband surgery in 2009 with no luck and had it removed in April of this year. I am having gastric sleeve done this month. At my heaviest 2 weeks ago I weighed 305. I have been doing the preop diet for a little over a week and I am down to 293. I am getting a little nervous but I am ready to live a healthier active life

Updated on 17 Aug 2016:
You will notice I have the scars but this is from my lap band and then lap band removal

Updated on 23 Aug 2016:
So my surgery is next Tuesday and I had my final appointment yesterday with Dr. Strickland. All of my preop tests looked good, he answered all of my last minute questions and I am just staying on my preop diet until next week. I am nervous but I am so ready for my new life. I have adapted many of the changes already such as giving up soda, no drinking while eating, no alcohol, and better food choices. I feel like this will make it easier on me afterwards.

Updated on 29 Aug 2016:
I am nervous and excited. I am proud that I stayed with it and I did not meet my goal of 20lbs lost before surgery but I did lose 18. My doctor said no worries it wasn't his goal for me to lose weight during preop diet but rather shrink my liver. I am posting updated pic. I cannot tell any difference except my feet are no longer swollen(they have been for last year) and they actually look thin


Updated on 31 Aug 2016:
Well surgery went well. I was out in 80 minutes. The doctor removed some scar tissue from previous surgeries. Other than my stomach being sore I feel okay. So far today I have had about 2oz of jello, 1 oz of broth and two protein shakes. It has been a struggle to get it all in and I feel so full. I was released from hospital today and I am glad to be home.

HW-305
Day of surgery-288
Today-292

I am guessing the gain is due to all the fluids they pushed and swelling. I will update more tomorrow

Updated on 1 Sep 2016:
So far today I have had 1 protein shake, about 35 oz of water and 1 sugar free jello. It has been a struggle to get this in. I am just not hungry. I did weigh today and I think most of the swelling is gone. Weighed 287 today.

Updated on 5 Sep 2016:
Okay so I can't move to stage 2 until Wednesday but I am ready for something other than broth. I am doing great with weight loss, today I am at 279. I am not really hungry just tired of broth. No more pain. I go for follow up on Wednesday so hopefully Doctor will tell me that everything is well also. Will post an update later

Updated on 9 Sep 2016:
I am down to 276 which feels great but I still cannot see it. I am posting a side by side comparison and my hubby says that my stomach definitely looks smaller in the top of the pic on right (after). It is hard daily to eat the same things over and over again but I am not hungry so I just look at it as something I have to do to live. I have begun cooking for my fail again and it doesn't bother me all that much. I have not once felt regret so I wonder if I just haven't reached that stage yet.

Updated on 20 Sep 2016:
I was so excited this morning to step on scale and be 268. It has been over 3 years since I have seen that number. Doing great getting in protein, foods are well tolerated but I have already started stage 3 of diet. I have eaten scrambled eggs and homemade chicken salad and fat free refried beans. Last night I had some carrots from a pot roast that cooked in crock pot all day and some mashed potatoes. Still not feeling hungry. No crazy cravings for sweets only meat. I am ready for a steak.

HW- 305
Day of surgery 287
CW- 268


Updated on 1 Oct 2016:
So it has been 1 month since surgery. I have lost a total of 43lbs. I have been walking on treadmill for 30 mins 5 times a week. Protein and water intake have been no issue. I still feel full just tired of eating the same things over and over. Really want a salad.

Updated on 25 Oct 2016:
So I went yesterday for my 8 week follow up. Nutritionist and PA said that I was doing great. I have lost 56lbs since 1st week of August and 38lbs since surgery. I have been going to gym 4-5 days a week and doing 30 mins on treadmill and 15 mins working on my arms which are already so saggy. I have not for one minute regretted this surgery. I have gone from being winded just getting out of tub to feeling more energy than I have had in years. Here is an updated side by side. One on left is before surgery and on right is tonight. I see a difference in my face, feet but I have a harder time seeing in midsection.

Updated on 27 Nov 2016:
So I have lost 66lbs total. 18 preop rest since surgery. I feel like it is going very slowly now but I feel so much better. I have not for one minute regretted my decision