Had surgery at 215 lbs and one yr out I am down to 130 lbs. So grateful I did not back out last minute! Best decision ever and I have decreased my chance of getting cancer by 40 percent and added about 15 yrs to my life. Yay! Updated on 17 Dec 2018: Had a great experience with both the doctor and the staff. I particularly loved the dietician who worked with me for 6 months before the surgery. I am very grateful to have decided to go through with this surgery and to have lost all of my access weight. The only downside has been persistent gas pain several times a month which has not subsided.
Dr. Jawad provided exceptional care. I would not have considered a procedure with any other physician. My decision was made after a great deal of research and consideration. I worked with Dr. Jawad in a professional capacity prior to having my surgical procedure and I experienced his professional approach with patients for years prior to choosing to become a patient myself. What greater COMPLIMENT could there be?
I'm young at heart and want my outside to match my inside. I'm 38 and have no living parents. Wanted and needed big changes in my life so I could begin to live, not just "live"! I'm a mother of a gorgeous 12 year old boy who needs his Mother to be around for a long time. I have lots of footballs to throw and catch. Bring it on!!!!
I do not know where to start ... Everything from my initial seminar to this point of the process has been amazing. Dr Jawad is a very skilled surgeon and he is great at what he does. His staff is just as amazing as well. They are courteous and responsive. I am very happy I choose him to do my Bariatric surgery and encourage you to visit him as well.
Yes, there are some post-surgery concerns, such as vitamin absorption concerns, but I am so happy with the results! I am 2 years post-op and have lost 225 pounds! Now, after struggling to conceive, my husband and I are expecting our first child! I am glad I worked through my fears!! I am so happy!
Well I actually have been obese all my life. But here goes, I actually looked into weight loss surgery with Dr Jawad abt 3 yrs ago and I was looking to get the lapband. Upon my initial visit he advised me that I may want to look into other surgeries that are available, I said I would but I chickened out. So I never went back to him anymore. Well I then went to a diet clinic and I was prescribed Phentermine & Zonagran which didn't work ouy like I thoughg it would the weight loss was very slow I thought. So I met a co-worker who advised me that she had previously had the lapband surgery and she looked great she said she was a size 24 before surgery and now she's a size 4-6 and she looks wonderful. So of course I was back at wanting to have the lapband surgery because of her results. Well I contacted the same surgeon she used Dr Timothy Hipp and I met with him May 2012 and even after meeting him I lolly gagged abt getting my requirements done..so I got serious abt the surgery again in Oct 2012 and I went back to see Dr Hipp again he advsd me of the Gastric Sleeve and he advsd me to do my research on the sleeve, so I started working on my requirements I had to do a Pysch Eval, blood work, Nutrition Eval & a letter from my PCP, then upon doing all tht I found out that I was also required to do a 6 month supervised diet, so then I got discouraged but my family support urged me not to give up so I didn't which then pushed me into completing my 6 month diet in April 2012. Well after my 6 month diet was up they submitted all the paperwork to my insurance carrier for approval, then 2 weeks later I rcvd some devastating news tht they could not approve my surgery since Dr Hipp nor the hospital were on their COE list. Discouraged again I prayed abt it so they provided me with another Dr which was Dr Jawad again so I spoke with him again abt the lapband then he advsd me of the sleeve and he asked me to research it because he said he taking out more bands than putting them in...so I had to partially start all over so with that being said I received a call from the Dr office saying all I needed to do was do my bloodwork, do a ultrasound of my gallbladder & meet with a nutritionist which I got completed within 2 weeks and upon getting tht done the Dr office called me and told me tht since I had those things completed that we could go ahead and schedule my surgery date she advsd me of the first available date and I took it which was Nov 20th..... Hey I am today almost 1 week post op and doing great...I had surgery on Wed the 20th then I releases Fri the 22nd and I can honestly say I have been pain free just sore...but I do have trouble getting in my fluids but I'm working at it!!!!!!!! Updated on 3 Dec 2013: Well my preop was on Nov 8th and I weighed 377 & I had my 1st post op appt yesterday and I am down to 353 which is a total of 24lbs...I'm well on my way now.. Updated on 11 Dec 2013: Updated on 11 Dec 2013: Updated on 2 Jan 2014: Updated on 2 Jan 2014: Updated on 26 Jan 2014: Updated on 2 Feb 2014: Updated on 8 Mar 2014: Well a lot had happened since my last update but I'm not giving up...I had joined the gym back in January and my Dr cleared to start working out and boy did tht feel good well after going to.the gym for abt a month twice a day he believes I may hv aggravated an old knee injury so needless to say I haven't been n the gym for a month now...and my weight is moving slowly...so I had to have a cortisone injection in my knee which has made it feel better but now I have to start physical therapy for 6 weeks...but I'm determined to sneak back in the gym though...here are a few updated pics.of me!!!! Updated on 8 Mar 2014: Just a few updated pics of me...slowly but surely it's coming off!!!???? Updated on 14 Apr 2014: Well I know it's been awhile since I've updated but trust and believe I'm on here quite often looking at other post...Well as of today I'm down 63lbs and I won't complain... Updated on 14 Apr 2014: I love taking pics and now that I've lost some weight full body shots are the ones I'd love to share...cuz u can only tell so much by a face shot...I still have a long way to go though!!!! Updated on 14 Jun 2014: Updated on 14 Jun 2014: Well it will be 7 months come June 20th. ..and I've hit a stall been at a loss of 70-75lbs but I won't complain...just ready to hit the 2's.... Updated on 14 Jun 2014:
Losing weight has been a constant battle, however in June 2016 I started researching different surgeries after I decided I've spent way too much money and time trying diets/ treatments with short term results. You name it and I've probably tried it. Once my mind is made up there no stopping me. Prior to choosing a Doctor , I reached out to BCBS of Minnesota to see what was required .My requirements include : three months weigh in's with PCP, Nutrition , PSY eval, two years weight history, general testing and a BMI over 40 without comorbidities . So, on July 7th IUD installed , July 14 I went to a bariatric seminar ,July 21 meet with Surgeon and decided the gastric sleeve was best for me, July 22 meet with my pcp for my first weigh in (294 lbs) , July 28 nutrition eval , Aug 4th Psy Eval, today August 22 I had my second weigh in (292 lbs ). I'm scheduled for labs on August 27 and Sept 1st EKG and Gallbladder ultrasound. My third weigh in is on Sept 22. Until then I patiently wait. I have no comorbidities like diabetes ETC , but I have had varicose veins since ten years old that hurt/burn ,shortness of breath, back and hip pain. I've modified what I eat and exercise at least 4 times per weak. This forum has truly been a inspiration for me. LOL it occupies some much of my time , I deleted my Facebook. Thanks for the reviews and Keep me in your prayers ..Until my next post PEACE, LOVE AND HAPPINESS.... Updated on 23 Aug 2016: Disciplined, Determined and Dedicated to a healthier me... Updated on 27 Sep 2016: Well... October 22 I completed my last supervised weight visit. Yesterday (10/26/16) I received a call from the Bariactric Center letting me know that a claim will be submitted for authorization this this week. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I have BCBS of Minnesota, I've read many times that's it's easy to get approved , some say it's hard. However, I do know that the Lord has the last say so and will answer my prayers. Keep me in your prayers as my journey continues. Updated on 5 Oct 2016: So, on 9/27/16 my doctors office submitted documents to BCBS of MN . I called them yesterday and there stating them haven't received anything. I also was told by the representative at BCBS , it takes a couple of business days for them to receive things ,once received i'll receive a call 7-10 days to notify me if I was approved or denied. Has anyone else experienced the same issue. Please share your experience. Comments are truly appreciated. Updated on 10 Oct 2016: So, today I reached out to Bcbs of Minnesota. They we're able to confirm that they have received all required documents and I will receive a call by 10-18-16 to let me know if I'm denied or approved. Keep me in your prayers. For those undecided what protein shake to use. I choose Premier Protein vanilla shake; it's a bit sweet but it's not chalky. I love this one over the others I've tried . Updated on 18 Oct 2016: Welp...I'm disappointed however I know everything happens for a reason. I was denied due to my first three months of weights were documentation from my ob-gyn and the other three were from my pcp. It all will work out though. I'll have more time to prepare .What I'm most afraid of is the fact that my employer is merging with another company and I sure hope our benefits want change. I will keep you guys posted. Updated on 10 Jan 2017: On December 27, 2016 documents were submitted to Bcbs of Mn for authorization . I was approved today 1/10/17.... Updated on 25 Jan 2017: It seems unreal . My surgery is scheduled for 2/10/17 @ 6am. I start my pre op liquid diet on 1/30. Any suggestions ?? Updated on 12 Feb 2017: Hi, guys . I was sleeved on 2/10/17. I feel good , despite a little soreness in my abdomen . One more day on clear liquids then I'll advance to phase two . I'm excited about my journey! Updated on 14 Feb 2017: HW: 321 Start of pre op diet : 303.2 SW: 287 CW: 285 GW: 170 My incision are healing great, abdmen is still swollen . I'm excited about the road ahead. Updated on 27 Jun 2017: Friday I will be five months post op . My current weight although it's shark week is 235, possibly less. I'm avoiding the scale as much as possible however I've lost count of how many itches I've lost. I'm thinking of starting the Keto diet on Monday . I started out wearing a 24-26 in buttons and tops 3x . Now I'm wearing a 17-18 buttons and 1x in tops . Menses has finally regulated itself thank God .
I am a 55 Y/O mother and grandmother. I have struggled most of my adult life with weight issues. I have lost weight and gained weight so many times. This I feel like is the tool I need to make me succeed. It can't be undone and when you want to eat you can't just have the water removed like the lap band(I had in 2005). The lap band has worked for a lot of people but it has not worked for me. It was to easy to have the water removed when I wanted to eat. Before the lap band I also over the years done Weight Watcher, Dr. Akins, taken diet pills, name it and I have done it. Nothing has worked. I would lose the weight just to gain it back and more each time. :( I have been studying the sleeve and how it works for a few months now and after reading reviews and actually talking to a few co workers that have had it done I feel this is the very thing I need to help me get my life back. I do realize it is a tool that I still need discipline and will power, however at least I will not have the constant hunger pains and the cravings (that subside with this) like I have with the lap band and the other means of weight loss I have tried. I am looking forward to sharing my weight loss journey with this forum in hopes I can have a positive impact on someone's life as this forum has had on mine. I will keep you posted as my weight loss journey begins on October 15, 2014. As soon as I get courage I will post some pictures of me before my surgery. Updated on 12 Oct 2014: 3 more days..I am getting excited and nervous at the time time. Excited because I am so ready for this chapter of my life to start. Nervous that I will get sick again and will not have it. So I will need prayers that I don't get sick. I am also going to post some before pictures of me. I finally realize that there is no since in being ashamed of the way I look. That we all o here are going through this together and no one is out to judge me. Thanks for all the support. Updated on 12 Oct 2014: Updated on 15 Oct 2014: Today is the day...my surgery is scheduled for 10:00. The day my life will change forever...Thanks to all who have left positive comments...I soon as I am able I will post an update... Updated on 16 Oct 2014: Here it is 1 day post op. I can't believe how good I feel compared to a lot of people that have this done. Very little pain,'hardly any gas pains...just got finished slipping that blue day so they can check for leaks. .Thank each and every one of you for your prayers and support. I will keep you posted. How I am doing when I get home. Updated on 22 Oct 2014: A Short update...well it's been one week. I didn't think it was going to get easier but after the 3 day clear liquids it started to get better...this morning was the first morning I was awaked with this painful gas pain in between my shoulders. I thought I was going to die before I could have my husband beat me on the back and take some gas x and pain med. I got through it. Thank god. today has been pretty good. I have been able to tolerate most everything I have tried so far. I tried to drink gator aid and it is that tasting right. but I love the way ice cold water taste. It's weird. I guess that's a good thing. Already getting sick of those protein drinks. Not getting my needed protein's in. I try but just can't. Time I try to get a 30 gram protein drink down it's lunch time then to tell you the truth I have to make myself Try to drink another one after lunch. I don't know. Maybe it will get easier. But so far so good this week. Had a few days of roughness, but like everybody says it's gets better. Will update again 2 weeks post op. Updated on 16 Nov 2014: Today makes one month that my life changed forever. I am down 21 lbs. I feel great. Having a bit of a hard time with the soft food thing that I started yesterday. But I know it will get easier as time goes on just like the rest of it has. I will post update pictures soon. I would have posted with this update, but my honey took me to the movies to celebrate my one month. I was worried about movie and no popcorn but I had no desire for the popcorn. I loved it thanks to the sleeve. Updated on 15 Dec 2014: Today makes 2 months post op. I have been at a stand still for the last 2 weeks. I have lost a total of 27 pounds. I know it doesn't sound like much but to me it is. I am now eating almost anything. I try different foods a lot, some I tolerate well and other I say it's not worth eating again after I will be up half the night with indigestion. Like right now I eat 1/2 of a Peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner and not agreeing with me. I think it's the jelly because I can eat whipped peanut butter and it doesn't bother me. I am hoping I will lose more weight this coming month. I will have a mass removed from my ovaries January 6 and after that hoping I can start to exercise more and start walking. But right now it hurts to do a lot of waking and doctor doesn't want me doing a lot of physical exercise until is mass is removed. So I am going to start the New Year off with a positive attitude. Thanks for everyone that reads my posts. Updated on 8 Jan 2015: Thought I old give an update as for why I have not been on here lately. As a lot of you know when I had my gastric sleeve done, I had a set back and while they were running test found a mass on my ovaries. Well it end up being cancer. My surgery was on Dec. 28th. The type of cancer I have is called clear cell carcinoma of the ovary. . Doctor said I was very fortunate(I told him no it is the power of prayer not fortunate) to have this type of cancer because it is curable. They were able to get all the cancer however I will need 6 weeks of chemo to make sure if the left any micro particulars this would kill it. I half to say I feel pretty good to just had major surgery little over a week ago. I am just sick of being sick, just sitting here unable to do much. I know I will get better it will just take time. OK now onto my Gastric sleeve review. My surgery was Oct. 15, 2014. The time of my surgery I weighed 250, I weighed today and down to 209 yea!!!!!! I look at myself and can't believe I have lost 41 pounds in 2 1/2 months. I am doing really good on the gastric sleeve part. I am now just starting to eat almost anything I want and like everybody else, just small portions. I still have no cravings for sweets. The couple of times I did tried to eat sweets it just didn't taste the same so I figured why eat them if I can't get satisfaction from them. I am enjoying the new me!!!!!
