Thomas R. Brown, MD

I will be 57 this summer. I'm currently scheduled for the sleeve surgery on 5/31/16. I was always fairly slender until I had kids (3 kids are now grown). Also, after having my thyroid removed, a hysterectomy and quitting smoking, my weight has skyrocketed! My highest weight was 293! I almost fainted when I saw the scale (currently 278) ! I also suffer with joint pain, GERD, sleep apnea and hypertension. I got married 5 years ago and have gained almost 100 lbs since then! I'm tired of being tethered to a CPAP machine (even when I nap/doze) and want my life back. When I think of getting my "stomach stapled" I get really nervous, but I want to live a longer, healthier life so I can watch my grandkids grow up (I have 8)! So glad I have this forum to document my WLS journey. Currently going thru pre-op tests and my psych eval in a couple of days. On your mark, get set, GO!!!

Updated on 27 Apr 2016:
I finished all my pre-op qualifying tests yesterday! YAY! All paperwork submitted and now just waiting for approval by insurance...tick tick tick. I currently take thyroid meds and wonder how my sleeve will react to the thyroid medication? Also wondering about over-the-counter meds after surgery. Just wondering...

Updated on 12 May 2016:
Well, after some complications my sleeve date had to be rescheduled. I am now convinced more than ever that this is the right decision for me. My hypertension got so high about 10 days ago, my doctor thinks I had a mini stroke (no permanent damage Thank God)!!! I'm getting really excited that its almost here! Anyone have any suggestions on a tasty protein shake I could buy for my pre-op and after sleeve care?

Updated on 17 May 2016:
So I've had an echocardiagram, a brain MRI and a neck and lung ultrasound! Jeez, but happy to report I'm good to go. One last hurdle is to get cleared by the neurologist this Friday (5/20). Apparently I had a small stroke and my bariatric surgeon is requiring clearance from him as well. I pray it will happen quickly because my sleeve is set for Tues 5/24 and I am soooo ready!

Updated on 31 May 2016:
I cannot wait...a little bit of anxiety, but overall so ready to feel and look better! Woo-Hoo

Updated on 23 Jun 2016:
Well, I'm 17 days post-op and I feel pretty good. The weight is dropping off me like sweat! I never realized just how bad the weight had me feeling until I lost some of it! Obesity is indeed a disease because you do feel and look sick. I'm on pureed foods and tasting small bites of food "just to see how it feels going/staying down".

Updated on 6 Jul 2016:
Woo-Hoo! I got sleeved on June 6 and its one of the best decisions I've ever made! Here are my stats:

HW - 293
SW - 270
CW - 249.2

To anyone unsure about doing this surgery, I say...
GO FOR IT!

Updated on 12 Jul 2016:
Hello everyone! Well, since I started this weight loss journey, I have lost 49 pounds! WOO-HOO...Thought I would share a photo...have a great day!

Updated on 12 Jul 2016:
I am amazed when I see myself in a mirror now. VSG has not been a walk in the park (no pun intended - LOL), but neither was being sick and obese! Here's to adding years to my own life!!

Updated on 16 Aug 2016:
Sleeved: 6/6/16
HW: 293
SW: 278
CW: 232

Updated on 16 Aug 2016:
I'm never going back to being obese! #ThanksVSG

Updated on 19 Sep 2016:


Updated on 19 Sep 2016:


Updated on 20 Sep 2016:
The flu vaccine is tomorrow at work and I'm wondering if anyone has had any problems when getting one after VSG?

I started my process a couple of weeks ago. I have insurance paying for almost everything so my part might be $450.00 at most.

My procedure date is a made up date but I am hoping for December! !!

One of the reasons I am having WLS is to live the rest of my life healthy. I am almost 150 lbs over my 22 year old weight. I am now 52 (when did THAT happen???) and I think I am now 5 foot 7. I was taller but I shrunk!

I know I am lucky to have good insurance...I just wanted the sleeve surgery this July! I have found great support here and now will take my 6 month wait period to take the once a month classes and really look at my relationship with food. I plan to practice the liquid diet soon to see what it is like and if my brain freaks out!!

I am not telling many people. It is embarrassing to have gotten this far out of control and I refuse to listen to nasty comments! I told a few friends...very few. I am not telling my family before the surgery. Not sure at all what I will say after. I have time to think about all that, right? My mom will not be told. I found her sneaking photos of me looking very bad so she could show others. How is that for some seriously nasty behavior? ?

I told my husband this morning. I had to hold back my tears as I knew I would not get through it if I started to cry. I almost threw up after. It was very hard to share my complete failure at losing weight. Bit it is done and my husband is supportive as I knew he would be!

I have to take pictures to post them! I haven't allowed pictures of me in years.

I think about me at 150 lbs back when I was 22 and I can't remember me at that weight. I knew I was active then and that I never thought about my weight.

I hope to be a supportive voice for many of you! I am very excited and I am actually cleaning out my pantry and am getting a lot of the protein sources you all suggest to start practicing ahead of time!!

Good luck to you all! We deserve the very best!

Updated on 18 Jul 2015:
I have been busy! I had my nutritionist appointment at the surgeons office. I had my psych evaluation appointment at the surgeons office. I am signed up for one class a month through the beginning of December. I have a endoscopy appointment next Wednesday. I have a physical therapy appointment scheduled for my knee and foot that I blew out last year when I got too gung ho on the exercise.

I am running into several areas that are very gray. First, the classes that my insurance requires must be 28 days a part. That make me have surgery in January with a brand new deductible.

Then the surgeons office closes for part of the Christmas holiday. So we are not sure of the exact timing on the office closing.

Then the surgeon doesn't do surgery every day so the approved people go into the schedule first. I won't be going up for approval until after class number 6.

I have a folder to fill out, papers to fill out for each class, goals to complete for each week and all of this is turned into the surgeons office for my insurance. There is a BIG binder that houses all of this. I have to log my food each day from next Friday until the approval. The insurance doesn't care if I only lose 1 pound before surgery but if I gain an ounce then I am not approved. Nothing like a little messing with my brain!

I have my final appointment already scheduled for the end of November so I am just keeping that as my goal!!

I have already stopped buying my beloved Fresca and Diet Coke. I didn't buy any more straws. I cleaned out the pantry. I had the talk with my husband to tell him my plans. BOY was that hard! He is wonderful. It was my embarrassment within my own brain that made me feel somewhat humiliated. I said the words out loud...I am unable to lose this weight on my own. He is very concerned about the changes and the surgery of course.

My one friend who was getting surgery with me is now bailing out most likely. She did not get encouragement from her husband and feels the changes are too drastic. I support whatever she decides. I am moving forward!

I have already started eating smaller meals and trying to NOT drink water with meals. I am failing there but I will get better. Husband and I are both chewing more and eating slower! Apparently we WOLF our food.

Yes, the mind games have begun and I am addressing them as they come up. Our lives will be changed and there will be a lot of new beginnings. Everytime I get confused about so many changes then I go over a list of all the things I CAN do instead of what I cannot do.

I start an in person support group next Thursday and I am pretty excited!!

Thank you all for the support! I want to hear from everyone!

Updated on 18 Jul 2015:
I forgot to add to my update that I have to find a therapist to sign a piece of paper saying I am mentally fit to have the surgery. I went online to find an insurance approved therapist and was dismayed at the specialties that covered anorexia, bulimia but not obesity. The programs for eating disorders has a huge list. But these programs do NOT serve the heavy peeps. Discrimination big time, huh?

Updated on 23 Jul 2015:
I found a few websites that rated protein drinks. Very interesting ratings. You see some of the same ones on multiple sites.
This is just to help!

I ordered a few to see which ones tasted the best for my (hopefully) December surgery. My goal is to get the best nutrition with the least artificial stuff.

I bought the Orgain one. Not a great taste. The chocolate taste is very watery. It is drinkable if really cold and shaken and I served it on ice.

http://www.builtlean.com/2014/03/24/ready-to-drink-shakes/

This site has several of the same ones with more details:

http://bestsportsnutritionreviews.com/what-are-the-best-ready-to-drink-protein-shakes/

http://www.cookinglight.com/m/eating-smart/smart-choices/best-protein-shakes

Updated on 23 Jul 2015:
I start my homework paperwork tonight for my first class that my insurance requires. I have to show 6 months of no weight gain. No pressure there!

I was told I had to be weighed in before each class. Why does this put me in a mental state where I want to eat everything that is not tied down??

My food intake has been great and relatively normal. I have lost over 5 lbs. since my last surgeon office visit. So just the thought of being weighed before the class tomorrow morning is playing some mental head trip.

Is it just me?????

Updated on 25 Jul 2015:
Thanks to Puppy's Mom...I went into the first required class with a great attitude! The class was fun and the nutritionist for my surgeon is just delightful.

We deconstructed restaurant menus using their online nutrition guides. Not a shocker on how I got fat!

Next month is mindful eating. Working on that now. I eat without thinking a lot!

Updated on 25 Jul 2015:
I have a Fitbit Flex and am getting it out and charging that puppy up. Then all my food and water and sleep and activity is tracked on their website. The protein, salt, sugar, fiber, etc. is all filled in.

How else are you all tracking your movement?

Updated on 13 Oct 2015:
I have been off this site for ages because I couldn't remember the name of the site! Then I didn't get any notices and then time went by!

Update: I am on class 4 this Friday. Class 6 will be in the beginning of December so I still don't know if I am having surgery in December or in January. I am just soaking it all in and am not being impatient...much.

Here is my to do list of completed pre-surgery items:

-endoscopy to see if I have GERD
Yes, I have GERD officially and a hiatal hernia. Apparently I choked during surgery too. I have an appointment next week to go over the results. The surgeon said she wanted me to do a bypass INSTEAD of the sleeve due to the results. Not sure how I feel about that. I hear the sleeve is easier and has much less side effects.

-started seeing the requited therapist who has experience with WLS patients

-went on the grocery store tour that is required

-told my mother about my surgery and that didn't go as expected and I was not planning on telling her and now wished I hadn't

-had a total meltdown last week after a dr appt saying I had no cartilage left in my knees and I needed both knees replaced

-attending all the required classes for the 6 months and have lost a little bit of weight to be able to stay in the class

Updated on 24 Oct 2015:
I am seeing my therapist as required by my insurance. I am soooo glad this was required and that my therapist is currently working with 2 wls patients and many in the past so she is very helpful.

The therapist asked me what emotions make me want to comfort myself with food. WOW! To take the time to actually think about this rather than work harder and faster to not have to think.

Sadness, shame and disappointment is what makes me eat. I never knew that. So now I need to pay more attention to my emotions and do something else.

I can recognize this because I will be crying. Tears have seemed to be a trigger for I NEED CHOCOLATE! !

What did you all do to NOT eat from emotional triggers? I am making a list of alternative evening events for the cold nights in winter in Colorado:

-Read actual books
-Read the 2 years worth of 6 different magazines
-Start making jewelry again
-Get past beginner on knitting and crochet

I value every comment all of you make!!

Counting down to surgery...

Updated on 25 Oct 2015:
I am hoping I get the one night hospital stay and go home the next day.

What hospital stay has everyone else had?

Is being home the second day great to be home and where you sleep for 2 more days?

Updated on 25 Oct 2015:
Did most of you do monthly photos with the date, the weight and the same outfit?

I really want to help others yet am seriously not telling very many. I am working on my shame for getting this big!

Updated on 28 Oct 2015:
So I ordered the expensive Believe protein shake from BariactricEating.com. It was almost 70 dollars with shipping. DISGUSTING! I have tried Mocha Latte and the Cappacino. Both are very hard to even finish. What a waste of money! EAS is so much more affordable. I just got Pure Protein to try and also Premium Protein. Thanks for all the recommendations!

Updated on 29 Oct 2015:
I see my surgeon today to finalize what surgery I am having so this is BIG!

I want the sleeve but my surgeon did my GERD endoscopy and I have a hiatel hernia and she wants to do bypass.

I will listen to her but I want the sleeve!

I made a list of questions! I want to go home the day after surgery WITH NO DRAINS in.

Wish me luck!

Updated on 1 Nov 2015:
I met with my surgeon last week to go over the endoscopy I had a few months ago. My hernia is in a place where it is not entirely visible from the endoscopy.

So here is the issue...the surgeon knows want the sleeve. She said she wouldn't know which surgery she would be doing until she was in there and fixed the hiatal hernia.

Is the bypass so different? I have always wanted the sleeve! She asked if I would be ok and I know I don't have much choice.

Losing the weight and making huge changes is what I need to do either way.

I need some advice, words of wisdom and anything helpful that you know about bypass!!

Updated on 1 Nov 2015:
I have tried what feels like a bazillion ready to drink protein shakes. I am a total chocolate person but got the vanilla on a whim.

Yummy with cinnamon and shaken up. Then I put pumpkin pie spice in the shake for lunch. Wow! Seriously tasty.

Updated on 3 Nov 2015:
I am crazy for the vanilla Premier Protein shake. I have added pumpkin pie spice to the shake and then cinnamon to the shake. Both were yummy! Today I added sugar free Torani salted caramel syrup. OMG! Can you say YUMMY!

Updated on 3 Nov 2015:
Who can share your recovery time? I will not know if I have a sleeve or a bypass until I wake up. I want to know how long you were in the hospital and how long you were bed ridden!

Thank you!

Updated on 9 Nov 2015:
Monday, December 28 and I got the first surgery for the day!

The nerves are creeping in....

Updated on 11 Nov 2015:
I just got my surgery date of 12/28 and I would love for anyone to share how much weight you lost the first month! I know everyone is different but I want to have this to keep remembering and thinking about when I get scared!

Thank you in advance for helping me!

Updated on 11 Nov 2015:
I am cracking up at the irony of having to lose the last push for surgery during the week of Christmas!!! I have lost 20 lbs on my program to get ready for surgery on 12/28. This took 4 months and it was not easy by any means. I cut my calories WAY down and that is the only way I would lose. I exercise more and still it took going to under 1,000 calories a day. That just makes me happy I made the choice to get the surgery!

Updated on 17 Nov 2015:
I have struggled to take off a measly 20 lbs during my 6 month of classes. It has been hard but easily the most healthy mental approach to losing that I have ever done!

But...it seems my weight came off my chest! Should I just say bye bye ???? to my chest altogether? ??

Updated on 17 Nov 2015:
Who has had knee replacement surgery? Could you share what the surgery was like and the recovery and the pain please???

Updated on 17 Nov 2015:
I hear all about the loose skin and to just accept it! I am ready and I accept the loose skin..but does working out prior to surgery help at all with the skin???

Updated on 17 Nov 2015:
How did you ladies handle how much less you cook for yourselves but also cooking the same amount for your husband?

I am eating a lot less and my husband notices and feels strange that I am still cooking him the same amount. I told him it was just going to get worse!

Also, do you spend so much less at the grocery store? I want to put that money into a personal trainer and clothes eventually!