Dr. Richard is Amazing!!!! It was so worth going to him and getting the gastric bypass. From the first moment of stepping into his office, his staff was sweet, informative, and caring. They gave me all the tools I needed in order to succeed. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, very honest with the results you can have. He really does care about all his patients. The support groups at his clinic help motivate you and inform you on what you need to do on your weightless journey. Anytime I call with questions, his staff goes above and beyond to get the answers needed.
Hello RS , I have been lurking around this site for the last year. It started with reading about women of similar body types like myself getting a TT (because that is what I thought I would do). As I considered all that went into a TT, I decided to get more of this weight off my "morbidly obese - per all the national weight guides" frame. I am 5'8 @ 270Lbs and pretty active when it comes to exercising. Most of my weight came after my first child. Well... 3 kids and 17 years later I am still carrying this weight. My husband doesn't see an issue but I do. In preparation for my TT, I needed to see my doctor for a medical clearance. Instead of approving that clearance he talked to me about my overall health and asked if I had considered weight loss surgery because I was a prime candidate for it with my BMI over 40. Long story extremely shortened, I reluctantly inquired about weight loss surgery. After reading about bariatric surgery and meeting with the bariatric surgeon I committed to getting this done. I started in May, going through all the gyrations required by my insurance company to cover the cost of the surgery. I completed all the physical and mental health evaluations, counseling sessions and supervised weight management as required. As of September, I have been approved for surgery! My scheduled date is October 1, 2015. I'm happy and scared. I started the liquid diet on September 17th @ 258lbs. The first 3 days didn't go well as I cracked like an egg ~8pm each night and ate a little something random. Days 4 and 5 were better because I did all liquid all day. It is tough because I have to really concentrate on not accidentally eating. Today is day 6 and I just pray that I continue to have the strength to drink liquids all day. Pray for me! It's not turning back now. Updated on 24 Sep 2015: This liquid diet deal is more challenging than I thought. I have good days and ok days but I'm hanging in here. I keep reading and it seems the range in which people are on the liquid diet varies between 3-14 days and in some cases I've seen 1+ months. For me, it was a 14 day liquid diet plan.... - DAY 1 through 3 - I started the liquid diet on September 17th @ 258lbs. The first 3 days didn't go well as I cracked like an egg ~8pm each night and ate a little something random. - DAY 4 through 7 - I handled these days better because I did all liquid all day. Not even any cravings for food. - DAY 8 - September 24 @ 254.2 Ugh...I failed ~10pm I ate cole slaw (and I don't even really crave that). I think the problem is that I am still exercising each day, getting in ~4-6 miles walking. I have got to do better. I have exactly no time to spare because I do not want to jeopardize my surgery, which is in 6 days. Praying for peace over this beast. Has anyone eaten on the liquid diet this close? If so, what happened? Updated on 28 Sep 2015: I'm fading on this liquid diet.... - DAY 9 through 11 - I made it through with all liquids. In addition to the protein mix I bought from the doctors office, I started drinking Premier Protein. Those are pretty good and come in Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla. - DAY 12 - September 28th @ 252.4. I caved in and had pizza for lunch. I am in meetings this week for work and they are catering lunch EVERYDAY. I completely threw in the towel and ate 2 pieces of Veggie pizza - it was so good. With 2 days left, I can certainly do 2 days full liquids. Updated on 28 Sep 2015: After much thought, I decided to go ahead and post some pictures of my body 2 days Pre-Op. (I spared you the ones where I'm in a sports bra, lol.) It's because of all the pics and journeys I have seen and read that I am even able to blog about my own journey. If these pics inspire anyone else to make this life changing decision, then I've done my part. I have to admit, though I have come down almost 20 lbs, nothing about what I saw in these pics was flattering. Hats off to my husband for loving me through it all. The good news is that, this is the beginning of the end of looking this way. I CAN'T WAIT!!!! Updated on 1 Oct 2015: Today is surgery day! I'm headed to the hospital. I'm a little nervous but praying it out. I know GOD doesn't make mistakes. God willing and everybody able, I'll be posting an update later this evening. Motto: Through the SLEEVE, I will achieve Updated on 2 Oct 2015: Yesterday, I had a successful surgery. Dr. Richard and team were exceptional. Upon arrival, I was in waiting room ~10 before they took me to prep for surgery. Once behind those double doors it was all about the business. -Weigh in, urinate in the cup, change into the gown, be still for this IV, meet this nurse, meet that nurse, doctor came in to check on me, meet the anesthesiologist, tell your family you'll see them later. Then this.... I walked into the OR (I literally walked). PowWow'd with all the OR staff. Looked around the room, almost asked them to take a selfie {didn't have a camera} then got on the table, They talked to me until I went under. Next I remember, I was in recovery. Updated on 2 Oct 2015: Day 0 - The post op pain is real. I had excruciating pain in the recovery room. It didn't last long because the nurse got right on it. Can't tell you how long I was there because I don't remember. Next recollection I had was in my private room resting. I must say, no pain present because they have been giving me pain meds and fluid through the IV. Between ice chips and walking around, I slept on and off all day. Day 1 - Still no pain, more walking around. I went to have my leak test, that went well. My diet is now, liquids. I should go home this evening. Updated on 4 Oct 2015: Day2/Day3 - I am still doing ok. I have only taken 1 dose of my prescription pain med and non of the prescription nausea med. My days are pretty normal aside my exercise routine. I am drinking my protein shakes and ~17oz of water. Tomorrow I will start my vitamins. According to my Fitbit, I have only been doing ~5K steps a day (2.5miles) where I at least get in ~12K a day. I plan to get back to my dedicated walking tomorrow rain or shine. My body is gassy. I feel it in my stomach and throat. Other than that...I'm just waiting for the scale to move down. I have not been weighing myself; because when I gained that weight after surgery - I was not happy. I decided to weigh myself twice a month so next weigh in for me will be Oct. 15th. That is all for now. Motto: Through the SLEEVE, I will achieve Updated on 7 Oct 2015: Just updating on my journey. I am doing good. No issue aside getting use to the new way of life. My follow up with the doctor is on Friday, October 9th. I started my vitamins a few days ago. Not really feeling the chewable everything. I'd prefer to swallow my vitamins but I understand the point. I am taking in ~32oz of water each day but only getting in 1 or 2 Premier Protein shakes. I cooked for the family on Sunday and accidentally through a piece of fish and rice in my mouth - didn't have any issue chewing, swallowing or digesting it. Over the course of a few days, I peeled off my bandages and tape strips. My incisions look pretty good, they just feel a little knotty. Otherwise, it's all good. Inquiring Mind: What are some of the things you all done to improve the look and feel of your incisions? Updated on 9 Oct 2015: I just want to say - THANK GOD for all that HE IS. I feel so good it's unbelievable. Nothing particular just that I feel very normal, pain free and smaller. Today I had my post op check up with my doctor today. We covered 3 areas.... (1) How do I feel? - Ha! Like a new spirit. I am down 3 lbs (@ 249.2) from my surgery day weight. This actually is good news for me because (TMI ALERT) I came on my cycle yesterday and that normally increases my weight between 3-5 lbs. (Mind you 48hrs after my surgery I got on the scale and was 8 lbs heavier and vowed not to weigh myself at home but twice a month. That weight is gone minus 3 more lbs) I have been walking ~3 days of the week and can tell in my thighs and core that my body is changing. I was suppose to eat the egg this morning but I forgot. I grabbed my protein shake instead. I told him a ate some Goldfish (the crackers) yesterday if that is any consolation. I also spoke briefly with the nutritionist because I was ok'd to move to soft foods. Great! (2) Checked my incisions - He said my incision are healing fine. Some bruising around one of the entry points but otherwise, it looks good. I forgot to ask him about scar treatment but I did ask the nurse. She said they would go down in due time - OK (#$*!). (3) Did I have any questions? - Absolutely I do. ME: Is it normal not to take any of the pain nor nausea meds prescribed? Doc: It depends on the patient but its fine that you haven't used them. ME: Can I have non-chewable vitamins, this chewable stuff is more on my teeth than in my stomach? Doc: Keep chewing until your 1 month and we will talk about an alternative for you. ME: This seems too easy, I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall. Doc: You are doing great. I did not expect me to have any issues and that you will continue to experience more weight loss as long as you keep a balanced diet as outlined by the nutritionist. Welp..that was it. Uneventful for the most part. I plan on getting back to my norm. The next time you hear from me will be on Oct. 15th with a weight and picture update. Until then I will continue to live by this: Motto: Through the SLEEVE, I will achieve
I have a countdown clock on my phone. 2 months 3 days to go. I can't even stand it right now, I'm so excited. My insurance has required 3 months with the dietician so the appointments and the waiting has begun. After reading most of the reviews on here I know for sure I've made the right choice. You guys have been such an inspiration to me, you have no idea how much you've helped. I'm starting at 221 lbs. at 5'3". I swore to myself that I would do a full marathon before I'm 50 and this is the beginning of my training program. Last year I did 4 5Ks, granted I walked 95% of the time. One, I was dead last, One, I came in next to last, Two, 3rd from the last and One, middle of the pack. Everyone keeps saying, "well at least you did it". Which to me is just as bad as saying, "she has such a pretty face". I'm so tired, all of the time. I've had two surgeries for plantar fasciitis on the same foot so my feet, legs and back hurt all of the time. I'm on a cpap and take meds to insomnia. I'm also super anemic and have had 2 iron infusions. So to say that I'm looking forward to feeling better is an understatement. I've read all of the FAQ pages I can find and looked at everyones before and afters and I still have alot of questions. Hopefully this will be my last stop and all of my questions will be answered. In advance I'd like to thank everyone for sharing their experiences, your stories have and are keeping me motivated while I wait. My questions (for now): Hair loss? Yes or no? Anything you can do to prevent it? How did you tell friends and family? I've only told my husband, sister and 2 daughters. No one else knows yet. I do want them to know though, that I'm telling them what I'm doing not asking for permission. Did anyone lose friends because they didn't agree with your choice? Realistically how soon after surgery were you able to drive? Alcohol? I like having a cocktail every once in awhile so... never? Really? :( Updated on 9 Jun 2013: I started at Planet Fitness on Friday. Did 45 minutes of Just Dance today and going to the gym tomorrow. Updated on 9 Jun 2013: Updated on 15 Jun 2013: 52 Days to go. I went to the pre-op meeting and my first support group meeting this past Monday. Pre-op was super informative. If you have a chance to go to one, go! Also, one suggestion that was made that I'll pass on is to start collecting those little dosing cups that come with stuff like kids liquid meds. From what the nurse was saying the size of that cup is all you're going to be able to drink following the surgery. During this waiting time I feel like I need to try and eat some of the things that I know I won't be able to ever eat again. Updated on 8 Jul 2013: 29 days to go. Went to see my PCP today and get the release and medical necessity forms filled out. Now I only have 1 more RD appointment and that's it. It's starting to get real now. Updated on 14 Jul 2013: Tomorrow I have 2 appointments. Last one with the dietician and one with the fitness guy. All of the paperwork is complete, the shake mixes have been purchased and now I wait, still. Week from tomorrow I'll start on the liquid diet. A week ago I had some dental surgery done so I've already been drinking the meal replacement drinks so I don't think I'll have a problem sticking with them. The days seem to be going by quicker now but not quick enough. I still haven't told my family or my job so I kinda stress about that, my feeling is it'll come out when it's time, whether that's before or after is yet to be seen. Updated on 21 Jul 2013: I have to start the liquid diet on Tuesday so today and tomorrow will be spent prepping and preparing for this. I went through the cabinets today and tossed so much "junk" food. Tostitos, dry cereals, some nuts that were going to go bad anyway. I'm glad I have chickens in my backyard who were able to take advantage of my cleaning out of the pantry so no food has gone to waste. Here we go. Almost there. Updated on 25 Jul 2013: Day 3 of the liquid diet today and my head is killing me. Word of advice, if you drink coffee, soda or tea start weening off of it now. I went cold turkey day one and haven't really been able to function. Went to pre-op yesterday. Saw the doctor, had before pics taken, then was sent to the hospital for for a battery of tests. Chest xrays, ekg, lots of bloodwork including an arterial blood gas (most painful thing ever). But it's all done and now all I have to do is continue the liquid diet for 12 more days. 12 more days. I really hope they pass quickly. I've been trying to be creative with the shakes, adding extracts, mixing flavors, etc. and so far my favorite is banana shake mix with sugar free strawberry quik. I've discovered I do not like chicken broth. Beef broth is ok but I prefer to use the packet from beef flavored ramen noodles instead. 1 packet with a cup and a half of hot water. I have chickens so they've enjoyed getting the dry noodles as a treat. I have 4 different bowls of sugar free jello in the fridge. Bottom line I'm not hungry staying full, but the switch to decaf splenda tea has been hard. I didn't realize I was such a caffeine addict. I miss my flavored coffee. Updated on 9 Aug 2013: So far so good. Alot of gas pains but probably my fault from not getting up and walking enough. I'm back on the clear liquid diet but now I'm able to add some yogurt and creamy soups. No weight loss noted yet but it's only been 3 days and I've had some swelling due to fluid retention. Updated on 13 Aug 2013: I am 1 week post op today. Tomorrow I go for the 8 day check up and guess what... I'm already 20 lbs down from my starting date and 7 lbs down from my surgery date. Woohoo, hang-in there pals you're almost there. It's not been easy though by no means. I fill full all the time so I'm not hungry per-se but I do have alot of cravings. Mostly for anything salty. I'm told that's normal. No more pain but some spasms if I drink to fast. So word of advice sip sip sip and popsicles popsicles popsicles. That has been my saving grace. Headed to go walking now will post more after my appt. tomorrow. Updated on 1 Sep 2013: It's been 26 days since surgery and today I weighted in 30 lbs down. I will say again it has not been easy. I feel like there is no way I'll ever get all of the protein and water that you're supposed to have in a day. Also for me gulping has been an issue. Oh my lordy does that hurt. And I've had so much energy I've been walking and working out in the yard that I get so thirsty I just want a huge drink of cold water. ugh. Man that hurts. I've sweated more in the last 2 weeks then I have in the past 10 years. Allie, as far as soda, I quit soda and caffeine cold turkey on the first day of the liquid diet. On day 2 I had the worst headache ever! But I knew that it would be ok to have a little so I had about a 1/2 cup of tea and it was just enough to ease the headache. Next day I was fine and haven't had any since. Now I sometimes will have decaf tea made with splenda. I've not been a real big "real" sugar person anyway, we've been using the splenda sugar blend for years so going to straight splenda was easy. I still love my popsicles and fudgesicles. A few things I've had some issues with are gas, constipation, trouble sleeping (ambien doesn't work anymore), lack of hunger (which is an issue when you're trying to get in all of your protein), and my taste buds have changed and I don't like some flavors of shake mix that I liked before. But I do love love love Red Velvet Cake flavored Muscle Milk. I'm taking the Bariatric Advantage vitamins, biotin and MSM (for hair) and vitamin D (for absorption and because my blood work showed it was pretty non-existent). I'm down 5 sizes in panties (my hubby loves that, wink wink) and I 2 dress sizes. I wore a skirt with heels the other day. I felt so very sexy! That's about it. I go back for my 1 month on the 4th and hopefully the dr will tell me I can move back onto solids. I would love a taco! Updated on 1 Sep 2013: Before was taken in April. After was take last Monday. Updated on 1 Sep 2013: That should be 2 dress sizes. Updated on 5 Sep 2013: And I'm down 32 lbs. and walking 2 miles everyday. I've even shortened my 2 mile time to only 33 minutes. Before I could barely get in a mile in 30 minutes. I feel great, have tons of energy and I'm eating solid foods now. Start with something high protein, then if I'm still hungry will add a non-starchy veggie. So far I've not been able to eat more then about a 1/4 of a cup of anything. But it's working and I can see results now. woohoo Updated on 3 Oct 2013: And I'm down 40 lbs. I couldn't be any happier then I am now. I'm exercising regularly even doing a boot camp program and although I'm a little slow I would have not considered it before. Jgschiff - wanted to let you know that I did get a fitbit and I love it. Thanks for the info. Updated on 31 Oct 2013: It's been 3 months since surgery and I'm down 52 lbs. and 4 dress sizes. I love my sleeve. No real issues to complain about. Some normal things like constipation from the high protein diet and the fact that my ambien only works for 3 hours now but nothing I can't deal with. I'm on a full diet and eat whatever I want, but mostly I just drink muscle milk and eat quest bars. I love my sleeve and have no regrets. Updated on 9 Dec 2013: 4 months out and 17 lbs to goal. I'm down 61.1 lbs and now in a size 10. Everything is going great and the only complaint I have right now is the hair thinning. I knew it was going to happen so I was prepared but I don't like it at all. Updated on 4 Feb 2014: I know it's been a minute since I've updated but I'm never still now. I have so much energy I just wanna go all the time. Thursday will be my 6 month surgiversary and I'm proud to say I'm about 5 lbs to GOAL. I've gone from a size 20 to a size 8 and I feel amazing. I've gone through the hair fall out stage and now it's beginning to grow back and I'm super happy about that. I did the cut it all off thing and went with a super short pixie cut. Now that I'm small it's really cute. Keep it up everyone, you can do it. Updated on 23 Apr 2015: I love my sleeve.
