Hey everyone my name is Mari, and I have finally decided to get weight loss help. I will be 32 in October of this year, and have struggled with my weight since I was about 11 years old. I am currently around 290 lbs and 5'5. I have tried every single weight loss program you can possibly think of. L.A. Weight loss, Hollywood liquid diet, Nutrisystem, Phentermine, Chinese green tea diet pills, Xenadrine, Hydroxycut, Exercise, Starving my self... You name it I've tried it. My mindset has always been that I can do it by myself with hard work and dedication. Yes I have lost weight with all of the above named programs, but one small slip up and I'm back to square one. I've gotten a lot of different reactions to my decision of having the surgery. Some people have told me that it's a great decision, as others have told me that I'm being lazy and taking the easy way out. My mind is set though regardless of peoples opinions. My only concern is all the lose skin after. I have read so many stories of people felling worst afterwards with the sagging skin. My insurance doesn't cover cosmetics. In any case it needs to be done, I can worry about that later. So that's it in a nutshell. I have the initial seminar Thursday August 27th. I'm extremely excited about it. I hope this process is easy and doesn't take so long. Thank you all for reading. Any advice, comments, or stories will be greatly appreciated.
Updated on 28 Aug 2014:
Hey all... Jut wanted to let u guys know that I went to the initial seminar. They spoke about the different options in surgery, as well as insurance requirements. The Dr. Spoke and I got a good vibe from him which is very important. His staff was there as well to answer questions. I found out that my insurance doesn't require a supervised diet plan before the surgery which is great!!! They are now scheduling for October so they told me that if I take all my paperwork for my first consult that they can schedule me for then!!!! Im super excited!!! I'll keep u guys posted!
Updated on 18 May 2015:
Hey everyone, well here it is almost a year later and I have yet to do the surgery. Truth is I kind of backed out of it a little. I got scared, thinking about my daughter and what if something would happen to me. I decided to be a "Happy Big Girl" that didn't work out. I could lie to everyone, but I couldn't continue to lie to myself. I am unhappy, depressed, angry, and sad. So once again I got to thinking about my daughter. This time though, thinking of what would happen to me if I DIDN'T do the surgery. So I went to my initial meeting with Dr. Sosa in Hialeah, Fl. Met with him April 10th 2015. I had my heart set on the Gastric sleeve, but after meeting me he said that with a BMI of 48 a sleeve was not the best choice for me. So since he is the doctor (the best in Florida) I agreed to the RNY. Then I met with his coordinator Betty! What an awesome person!!! She has been there for me every step of the way, very patient with all my questions or concerns. She really is the best there, she knows her job. So, I have already seen the Nutritionist, the Psychiatrist, and my PCP. Gotten my clearance from all 3! Yay!!!!!! Betty submitted all my paperwork to the insurance and I am just waiting for the response from the insurance this week! Im so excited and soooo nervous!!! I will keep you all posted!
Updated on 19 May 2015:
Yay!!!! I'm so excited I finally got my date!!! June 3rd it is!!! I can't believe it's 2 weeks away
Updated on 27 May 2015:
I'm so anxious! Today I had a 2 hour appt with the hospital. I registered for surgery, saw the Nurse she explained everything as far as what to do before, what time to be there, what to bring etc. Then I met with the anesthesiologist this is where I totally freaked out! She told me that depending on how I do during the surgery, there is a possibility that I will still be intubated when I wake up for about 30 min to make sure I am capable of breathing on my own!!!! What the hell?!?!?!?! She said "don't freak out when u wake up" REALLY?!?!?!?! I'm freaking out already!!!!! Well all I can do is pray about it and know that God has me and will be with me every step of the way! Then I met with the House Physician, he took my blood pressure, and listened to my heart and lungs and that was that.... Yesterday I did a chest X-ray and an ekg. All I have left is to get my final clearance from my PCP which I am doing Saturday, and I'm good to go!!!!!
Updated on 2 Jun 2015:
OMG I can't believe that the day is finally here!!! Im so nervous and excited!!! Ive been on liquids for 2 days, it really hasnt been as bad as I thought it would be. Yes, of course I'm hungry, but it's bearable. I have to be at the hospital at 6 am..... Wish me luck everyone, keep me in your prayers! I will update as soon as I can!!!
Updated on 5 Jun 2015:
Hey everyone! Thank you all for your well wishes and your prayers. My surgery went so well it's incredible! I was up and walking the same day. My surgeon Dr. Sosa was amazing as well as his team. I am so grateful for them to have made this surgery the best possible. I did have a bad time waking up and still being intubated. That was a very nasty feeling but it's his protocol so it had to be done. I was intubated for about 45 min after being taken out of anesthesia, so fully awake trying not to freak out was a little hard. Other than that I'm very good. I'm on all clear liquids, and I get discharged tomorrow God willing.
Updated on 8 Jun 2015:
Hey all it will be one week post op on Wednesday and as crazy as it sounds I am 16 lbs down!!!!! I can't believe it! Saturday was my worst day with the cravings but it passed. I have maybe another week to go on clear liquids to then move on to full liquids. I will keep u all posted!!!
Updated on 12 Aug 2015:
Hey All! I haven't been on here in a while. Just been caught up with work and other things but just want to let you all know that I'm doing great! Im 40 lbs down already on regular foods. Very little though. It took me a while to get used to not chugging water but that's gotten a lot better. I have tolerated everything just fine. Im working out, the pain in my knee has reduced tremendously! So all in all Im doing GREAT! The Pic on the left was taken Mothers day 2015 so May 10th, the one on the right was Aug. 11 2015 (yesterday)