Becoming the Person I Want to Be at Age 54 - Decatur, TX

I have been over weight since age 9. Over the years my weight has steadily climbed. Sure I went on diets and lost as much as 70 pounds but it always came back. One day this last summer I found that standing a walking a short distance left me winded. The thing is that even though I have always been over weight for most of my life I never really felt that I was. I did much of what I wanted, even skiing down blue slopes at 300 pounds. I told my wife, who had suggest I look into bariatric surgery, to call around and see where I could talk to somebody that would do it. She found Dr. Stowers in Decatur, Texas. In July I went and talked to him. He recommended the gastric sleeve. That day I agreed to the surgery. I immediately had a stress test, philological exam and a sleep apnea test. All test passed, surgery was scheduled for Oct 8th. I weighed 476 the day I talked to Dr Stowers. The surgery was done with no problems on my part. I have had no complications. Very little discomfort really at any time other than soreness in the incisions and some gas bubbles. I walked the day of surgery. I went to work 5 days post surgery. At Thanksgiving I got a reclining bike (BodyRider 3in 1) and I have spent 20 to 30 minute son it every day since. I can eat only 3 to 5 ounces of food per meal. I concentrate on protein as my nutritionist told me to do. I eat 5 times per day. Usually 2 of them are a 100 calories Greek yogurt. Hunger is not really a problem Everybody has been really supportive. Today I weighed 398.4 or about 77 pound less than I did the day I saw Dr. Stowers. I feel this is the best thing I could have done for myself and my family. The $28,000 cost listed is everything, but even though insurance did not pay on the surgery I ended up paying $8200 thanks to Dr. Stowers.

Well I went thru Christmas and then turned around and took a 4 day vacation. Eating out every meal. It was not easy to follow the diet that I knew I should. I could have but I told myself it was too difficult. Over the week that included Christmas I thought I did fairly well but I lost no pounds and remained at the same weight. Considering that most people gain as much as 5 pounds over the holidays I guess that is a small victory. On vacation I thought about what I should do and what I wanted to do. I made a compromise with myself. Sometimes my wife ordered a meal and I took a small portion for myself, and a few times I ordered something I wanted even though I could not finish it. There is a place where I love to have breakfast. I only get to go there once every couple of years. So I got my favorite coffee that only they sell and had it first then my wife and I both ordered. We shared. She took half of mine and I took 2 bites of hers. I drank a Bloody Mary at the casino too. Anyway, after I got home my weight was down 3.4 pounds! The thing is I couldn't eat but so much of anything anyway, and I stayed active. I walked the stairs up to the room every time. No elevator. I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and wish you all a happy New Year! I am now down 81 pounds since the day I talked to Dr. Stowers.

I returned to Decatur for the first time since October. I was down 101 pounds from the day I went for consultation last July. My blood work showed I needed more protein and my iron and vitamin D were a bit low. So everybody do take your vitamins and get the blood work done. The nutritionist spent a good deal of time with me and offered ways to boost my protein. All in all, the visit was productive. At this point I am still learning how to plan and eat my meals to get the protein I need. I don't always do what I know I am suppose to do. I eat breakfast cereal once or so a week. I eat a bit of bread or potato about once a week but mainly I eat protein. The nutritionist said that was fine. I couldn't be expected to live life without a little variety. Just remember the goals. I must say my diet has been varied in the protein area. On my birthday I bought all kinds of fish and meats such as elk steaks, buffalo steaks, mahi mahi, fresh tuna, quail, gator and much more. My wife has been adjusting to my new life plan also. She got lots of ramekins and has been experimenting with making small portions. At times I feel she feels sorry for me because like all of us she likes variety in her diet and she sees me eat the same thing sometimes 3 meals in a row. I told her eat what she wants and don't fret about my meals. I am on a journey that is far more important than a pasta dish. I am blessed to have her support.