Hugh L. Houston, MD

I tried for years to lose weight through diet and exercise but never saw true progress. I booked a consult with Dr. Houston in a last ditch effort to see if I was a candidate for weight loss surgery. Thankfully I was and he performed a gastric bypass on me Jan 11, 2022. I immediately started losing weight. From Oct 2021 to Dec 2022, I went down from 285lbs to 150lbs. I ended up needing to have my gallbladder removed which Dr. Houston also performed in July 2022. He was wonderful to work with. He’s direct and honest; No BS which I love and appreciate. He has been very responsive and helpful anytime I’ve needed it. This was the best decision I’ve ever made for my health.

November 14, 2011 I underwent Gastric Bypass Surgery. As long as I can remember, as far as Kindergarten I was over weight. Food was my best freind, and I don't say that lightly. Food was like my safe haven. No matter what was going on in the crazy world around me, I could always find solitude in food. I remember my 2nd grade teacher very vividly. My 2nd grade teacher had name me his "drum". I grew up in a very emotional abusive home. The only time I felt safe from anyone... was when I could eat.

Now, at the age of 33 I have underwent a surgery that maybe could have been prevented if things/people would have been different during my childhood years. Due to being overweight, I've never been married, been in a serious relationship, or been on a real date. I guess one could probably say.... I hate "me". I literally felt like my zipper was stuck. I knew who I was on the inside, but due to me extreme obesity "she" was hid away. Now.... slowly but surely, I'm seeing the real "Amanda". I can't see her completely, but day by day she's becoming more a reality.

Pros concerning surgery:
No problems with my sugar. I do not require insulin, or any other medicines to help with my previous sugar problem.

I am experiencing more engery. Now when I drive my car... The steering wheel no longer touches my stomach (woot woot)

Cons concerning surgery:
I don't think I have any... I'll have to think about that.

 

Updated on 21 Dec 2011:

Start Weight: 10/10/2011 413
Weight as of today 12/21/2011 360
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Total Weight Loss Thus Far = 52lbs

My ballon was placed yesterday the procedure was easy I was only asleep for about 15 minutes, stayed at surgery center from another our getting liquids and then came home. The only discomfort I had all day yesterday was being extremely hungry but it shouldn't worry about drinking or having a protein shake same day as you can aggravate your stomach. I woke up this morning still with the overwhelming sense of hunger, I took all my pills and I'm making sure I can home them down before I try investing anything else. So far so good! My starting weight was 295 lost around 7 lbs in two days of liquid diet so my pre-op weight was 287.

Updated on 19 May 2017:
Well yesterday I was able to drink half a protein shake and 2 bottles of water, haven't had any nausea but pretty bad stomach cramps. Today is day 3 and I just had half a protein shake and hoping I will keep it down, if so I will try and have a full one in an hour. I've been sleeping almost the entire time since my procedure but only comfortable on my back. Hoping the cramps will stop today and I can get some more calories and protein in to help with my fatigue.


Updated on 21 May 2017:
Yesterday was a really good day all things considered, I ate 2 eggs for lunch d 2 chicken tenders for dinner and was able to keep everything down! I am having terrible gas and bloating though so really ready for that to end I feel like I'm popping Rolaids like candy. Today I woke up feeling very bloated and crampy and haven't had any solid food yet, may try a protein shake in a few. I think this has gone really well for me, still no nausea or vomiting only has and cramps. Weight is 285.8 so down almost 10 lbs from pre op weight.

Updated on 26 May 2017:
After a week my cramps were over! I never had nausea so that was wonderful! I am down 12 pounds and eating solid food with no problems. If I eat to much (like tonight) I get very bloated and uncomfortable, still trying to find a balance of full but not to full. So far so good!

All set - visited Dr. Houston last Friday and I'm scheduled for my procedure on Jan. 27th. So excited about this journey and the opportunities that this new life is going to offer me. I am 5'7" 204 lbs. BMI 32. My goal is 140 lbs. hope to reach that within 12 months.

Updated on 22 Jan 2017:
Less than a week out. My procedure is scheduled for this coming Friday. Emotions are all over the place excited and scared. I am not going to back out however because I need this to get health again. Can't wait to just get the procedure and first few days out of the way. I will post again when I start my liquid 2 days prior. I have also started my med's. Got to go to store and stock up on broth, protein shakes, etc. I have been watching my food intake this last week and trying to not drink during meals and slowly winging myself from caffeine. Haven't had a headache last 2 days but the 4 previous days were horrible. Also, not sleeping as well probably because of nerves. Also, need to research a good multi vitamin.

Updated on 23 Jan 2017:
Talked to my doctors office, my anesthesiologist, and the surgery center today and everything is set for Friday morning. Start on liquid pre-diet Wednesday.

Updated on 26 Jan 2017:
My surgery is tomorrow. I am excited and nervous. Emotions and feelings are all over the place. I have been dieting the last few weeks preparing for my new journey and stepped on scale today and have not lost any weight. So discouraged about that. I got a new digital bathroom scale so weighting in will be easier. I am on my 2nd day of liquid diet. Woke up this morning feeling great. No headache and I wasn't starving. Felt thinner anyhow.
I will post on a different review tomorrow since it will be post surgery. My doctor said if I stick to my diet I should lose around 60 lbs during the 6 months the balloon is in. I can't wait to feel lighter. My back and knee has been giving me fits lately. Wish me luck!



Updated on 27 Jan 2017:
Well my surgery is over. I had a few complications but nothing to be concerned about. I feel a little nauseous not anything as bad as the flu. My stomach feels full but I am unaware of the balloon. I was happy when I stepped on the scale this morning and I was down 4 lbs. from the liquid diet last 2 days.
So my journey has begun. I am praying that the next few days will be easy and I don't get too sick. I despise vomiting. I have burped quite a bit and feel better sitting up verses laying down. Going to try and rest now.

Updated on 29 Jan 2017:
So far so good. No where near myself but each day is a little easier. Yesterday I was able to keep down 1 cup of water and about 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Slept off and on all day. I did have some acid reflux but it has subsided now. Just got up and going to have a little taste of coffee. I haven't vomited at all. My doc loaded me up with some good nausea medicine. Today I am going to concentrate on getting in all my water so I don't get dehydrated.

Updated on 30 Jan 2017:
Slept for several hours and then woke up with stomach craps. Went to the bathroom and had diarrhea for several hours. Finally was able to go back to sleep. Stomach cramps come and go. Trying my best to drink some fluids. I have taken today off work hoping that I can recharge my energy and work tomorrow. This has been a lot harder than I initially thought it would. I am hopeful that I will start feeling more of myself soon. I need to work.
My stomach feels very bloated as though I am 9 months pregnant. I see my doctor again on Wednesday morning. He called me Saturday and text yesterday to see how I was feeling. I am down 5 lbs and realize that is all water weight. Hoping I can get all of liquids in today. My face and skin is very dry. I didn't realize how much until I got of my shower.

Updated on 31 Jan 2017:
Well I went back to work today. Probably shouldn't have pushed myself but got to earn a living. I had a pretty good day. Nice to be in the land of the living again. Stomach was bloated most of the day but I prevailed. Today was the worst day that I was able to drink an entire protein shake and Gatorade. Which is a huge improvement. Can't wait to get home and relax. Also, already down 9 lbs.

Updated on 1 Feb 2017:
Went to doctor for my post op check up. I am severely dehydrated. He said that I would crash if I don't get my liquid in today. If I can't take in at least 64 oz I have to get an iv for 2 liters. Came home from work to force myself to drink. This is a huge struggle for me. Never been much of a water drinker. Down 10 lbs in 5 days.

Updated on 11 Feb 2017:
Went to the doctor yesterday and I am making good progress except with my fluid intake. It continues to be a struggle. I have been approved to add protein, vegetables and fruit to my diet. Scrambled eggs have never tasted so good. Down 14 lbs.

Updated on 27 Feb 2017:
Today is a milestone. One month post surgery and down 17 lbs. woohoo! It's great but some days are still a struggle especially with acid reflux.

Updated on 26 Apr 2017:
3 months in and I'm down 26 lbs. haven't lost any weight in several weeks. Dr said I can't cut anymore calories I will have to start exercising to drop anymore weight. Hoping to lose another 15 lbs by Sept. that is my goal. Weight 178

Updated on 18 Jun 2017:
Having the balloon removed tomorrow. Having too many health problems to continue. Down 30 lbs.