POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
44 Year Old Mother of 2, PCOS, Sleep Apnea, Back and Knee Pain. Houston, TX
ORIGINAL POST
I was skeptical and afraid to have WLS. I had...
txmom808September 20, 2015
WORTH IT
I was skeptical and afraid to have WLS. I had tried everything including Jenny Craig several times, the gym and 2 trainers, Nutrisystem, Medifast (Physician supervised), Quick Weight Loss Centers, Weight Watchers, You name it, I had done it. I actually lost 60 pounds and kept it off for about 2 years, but gained it all back plus about 10 more. After this, I decided I simply could not go through losing and re-gaining the weight again. I had never weighed over 200 lbs before kids. I am fairly tall, about 5'8", and medium framed, however, this weight was killing me, slowly. I was tired all the time. I woke up tired every day. Clothes shopping was depressing. I was a size 2x. 20/22. I was pushing a 3x. I had been to see several WLS doctors in the area before finding the doctor I eventually chose. I basically had to push myself off the diving board and into the water. The thing I think that did the trick for me was that my insurance would be changing in January and I was not guaranteed to have the WLS coverage under the new insurance, so I decided now or never. Two days after Christmas I had my surgery, and I think it was honestly the best thing I ever did for myself. The weight came off quickly. I lost about 90 pounds the first year, and have stabilized around 165 lbs. I do exercise regularly and I am now running 3 + miles several times a week and lifting weights. I can say that I am almost 4 years out and have not regained the weight. I am a size 12, and I think I would like to lose about another 10 pounds, but I do think that I would have to give up all of the "junk" foods that I "pick" on from time to time. (Not very often.) The thing about the last 10 pounds is that the closer you get to your goal weight, the harder it is to get there! But, I am proud of myself, and I can honestly say this has been one of the best journeys I've ever been on. I am now contemplating some plastic surgery (Tummy tuck, and perhaps BA.) I am not after the "Perfect body." But, I would like to not have the tummy sag, and the breast sag that simply go along with losing the weight, and my age. I am lucky in that I don't have a ton of saggy skin, and I did not wrinkle in my face much. But, I did not attempt to become "skinny." Only healthier and a reasonable weight that I could maintain. If you are on the fence, I will say this: If you choose the right surgeon, and do your homework, then the benefits definitely outweigh the risks, and you will look back and wonder what took you so long. I would have this surgery ten thousand times over, and I wish I had had it at least 5 years before I did. There are several doctors out there that I would not let touch me with a 10 foot pole, so if you want the best, then choose who I had, He's absolutely the safest and the best, hands down. (I do not know how much the procedure cost. They took my insurance, and I never got a bill. I believe I only paid the doctor $300.00)
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Replies (11)
July 31, 2016
Congrats to you. Wow what company do you work for? You have amazing health insurance
July 31, 2016
Insured through my husband. We had United Healthcare at the time. And, 4 years ago, I was told they were the easiest to qualify for WLS.
But, I am on different insurance now, & UHC has since changed all the rules on qualifying for WLS....
And, yes, that was a lucky break for us........... :))
Take care
But, I am on different insurance now, & UHC has since changed all the rules on qualifying for WLS....
And, yes, that was a lucky break for us........... :))
Take care
August 25, 2016
Wow! Inspirational
August 25, 2016
Dear Countdown,
Thank you for saying that you found this inspirational. I am / have been fairly transparent on here, which is unusual for me. I suppose being anonymous allows one a certain amount of freedom. Even if someone knows who I am, I really don't care. You have to be pretty comfortable with yourself to put it out there and take whatever criticism may come your way. So far, I really have not experienced that. But, I am sure some are probably wondering how I am able to share as much as I have. People like you are the reason. I am happy to share certain details about this transition with others, in the hopes that somehow it is making a difference in the world, particularly to those who are struggling with weight issues & / or body image issues due to weight loss surgery.
I read your posts. Good luck with your band conversion. I am so grateful that Dr. Marvin talked me out of the band. I think I would have been miserable, as so many have been, and I would have needed to have it converted to VSG. I just went straight to the VSG because I trusted him, and I am very glad I did. Sometimes, you just have to put your faith in another human being...however difficult you may find that at the time. I, personally, think you are going to be thrilled with your sleeve, and I wish you all the best with your surgery, recovery, and ongoing efforts to lose and manage your weight. It is a lifelong process !!
Thank you for saying that you found this inspirational. I am / have been fairly transparent on here, which is unusual for me. I suppose being anonymous allows one a certain amount of freedom. Even if someone knows who I am, I really don't care. You have to be pretty comfortable with yourself to put it out there and take whatever criticism may come your way. So far, I really have not experienced that. But, I am sure some are probably wondering how I am able to share as much as I have. People like you are the reason. I am happy to share certain details about this transition with others, in the hopes that somehow it is making a difference in the world, particularly to those who are struggling with weight issues & / or body image issues due to weight loss surgery.
I read your posts. Good luck with your band conversion. I am so grateful that Dr. Marvin talked me out of the band. I think I would have been miserable, as so many have been, and I would have needed to have it converted to VSG. I just went straight to the VSG because I trusted him, and I am very glad I did. Sometimes, you just have to put your faith in another human being...however difficult you may find that at the time. I, personally, think you are going to be thrilled with your sleeve, and I wish you all the best with your surgery, recovery, and ongoing efforts to lose and manage your weight. It is a lifelong process !!
August 26, 2016
Thank you so much. I am beginning to feel the process kick in! But presently, I am getting myself ready - and the superficial stuff seems to be at the front of my mind... the travelling to the surgery, the tests, the surgery itself... recovery... if almost feels like the real hard work isn't even on the horizon yet. But I guess its almost like having a baby - and not seeing past the EDD!
I am really not sure what to expect, although I should, having had the band previously. But post like yours give me a moment of clarity in a mad blur of stuff. Reminds me of my why. Gives me hope. Makes me realise that I'm going to be just fine. Keep doing it!
I am really not sure what to expect, although I should, having had the band previously. But post like yours give me a moment of clarity in a mad blur of stuff. Reminds me of my why. Gives me hope. Makes me realise that I'm going to be just fine. Keep doing it!
August 27, 2016
You reminded me just now of a moment I had about 18 years ago in therapy. My therapist said, " You have to do the work." And I said. "Well, How do I do it?"
And she said, " You're doing it."
So, that's what I think of you. You are worried about the process. But, you are in the process of doing the work.
I think worrying is normal, and you cannot see the future, but I read something once that said, "People who are successful are not Just committed to results; They are committed to the PROCESS."
So, even when I don't see that perfect number on the scale, I continue to stay on my eating plan. I continue to exercise. Even When I am not losing weight, I am maintaining my results, & that certainly beats going in reverse. I have a good feeling about you. You're going to be fine.....Remember "The Profit": Process, Product, People. Watch his show & apply those principles to your life.
You'll do great !!!
Best wishes !!!
XOXO
Txmom
And she said, " You're doing it."
So, that's what I think of you. You are worried about the process. But, you are in the process of doing the work.
I think worrying is normal, and you cannot see the future, but I read something once that said, "People who are successful are not Just committed to results; They are committed to the PROCESS."
So, even when I don't see that perfect number on the scale, I continue to stay on my eating plan. I continue to exercise. Even When I am not losing weight, I am maintaining my results, & that certainly beats going in reverse. I have a good feeling about you. You're going to be fine.....Remember "The Profit": Process, Product, People. Watch his show & apply those principles to your life.
You'll do great !!!
Best wishes !!!
XOXO
Txmom
September 18, 2016
Hi, i was hoping to read more about the hysterectomy, did you have it the same time as the tummy tuck?
UPDATED FROM txmom808
4 years post
Good news
txmom808May 5, 2016
I got good news at my PS visit today. He said that my bb is healing properly, that he doesn't think it will scar over, and even if it does, it would probably still look OK. But, he said we can wait and make a decision on it once it heals. ( Of course. That makes sense.)
Today's visit was much less chaotic. The office manager (whom is very sweet) came in herself to make sure all of my questions were addressed. Dr.S is my favorite doctor. I just think he is a big sweetheart. I think the last visit was crazy due to some clinic changes. It had nothing to do with me. It was just timing.
Anyway, this visit was so much better, and they went out of their way to make me feel special. ( Dr. S can undoubtedly be very charming....but really, that is his job.)
I am very happy that I went to see him again this week, he was just a doll.
I am considering some other procedures, but it will be a little bit before I can have another procedure. I have do more thinking what I want to do.
(I have to overanalyze my analysis and then re-analyze my overanalysis.) lol
I hope my bb is healed by next month when I return.
Also, he said I can start abdominal exercises now, so I am very excited about that too!!
Today's visit was much less chaotic. The office manager (whom is very sweet) came in herself to make sure all of my questions were addressed. Dr.S is my favorite doctor. I just think he is a big sweetheart. I think the last visit was crazy due to some clinic changes. It had nothing to do with me. It was just timing.
Anyway, this visit was so much better, and they went out of their way to make me feel special. ( Dr. S can undoubtedly be very charming....but really, that is his job.)
I am very happy that I went to see him again this week, he was just a doll.
I am considering some other procedures, but it will be a little bit before I can have another procedure. I have do more thinking what I want to do.
(I have to overanalyze my analysis and then re-analyze my overanalysis.) lol
I hope my bb is healed by next month when I return.
Also, he said I can start abdominal exercises now, so I am very excited about that too!!
Replies (1)
UPDATED FROM txmom808
4 years post
Weight Loss and Exercise: The struggle is real
txmom808June 20, 2016
Hi to all of you fellow WLS patients:
I haven't posted very much to my WLS review because I was busy healing from plastic surgery. It has been nearly 9 months since I last posted anything. I want to say what an amazing and exciting transformation this has been for me!!
I am so happy that I decided to have WLS ! I cannot imagine still having to "drag" all of that extra weight around. (Even though I was curvy, and nobody thought of me as "obese" - At least that's what they said- I was definitely obese.)
I can look back and think about days when I stepped on the scale, and no matter what I seemed to do or how hard I tried, the numbers just didn't go down. It was terribly depressing. I did not understand then that the extra fat produces hormones that disrupt your metabolism, and keep you fat. It is just nearly impossible for some of us to lose the weight and keep it off without having WLS surgery.
Part of the puzzle for me is that I do believe (No, I KNOW) that I have a slow metabolism, and I have had more than one doctor tell me that my thyroid is not functioning well; however, Dr. Marvin did not want to put me back on Synthroid, even though I took it before. My core temperature runs at about 96 F. (No kidding) One endocrinologist had me taking it every morning before I got out of bed, and I recorded in the 96 to 96.5 range every day. He said my thermometer was broken, or that I didn't know how to take it. (Oh, come on. I am a nurse. I know how to take my damn temperature.) So, I used my old mercury thermometer. Same temps. Perhaps some of you also have this problem ??
Anyway, it is very frustrating to be eating only 1400 to 1500 max calories per day, doing all of the running, lifting and cycling that I am doing, and have my weight hardly budge. (I am still the exact same size I was 4 years ago; although, I do believe more of it is muscle.) My hip measurement is pretty much the same, but I have bigger thigh and arm circumferences. This can make shopping somewhat more difficult for me. Especially pants. I have to buy them with the stretch in them. Or wear leggings. (Yes, I am part of the leggings are pants movement.)
On a positive note, despite the slower metabolism, at least I haven't gained any of the weight back...I am so into my exercise now that I've had my tummy tuck!! It gave me that extra push. My figure just looks a lot better, and I am happier when I buy clothes, and they actually look pretty good. I just took my "after" photos for my tummy tuck last week. Despite the fact that I hated taking nearly naked pictures (lol), and my body is certainly not "perfect", my ps says that I look good. Well, I know it's his job to make patients feel good about themselves, but I do hope that he meant it !! You know how many women he probably sees everyday, (Some of whom I'm sure look a lot better than I do.) But, when your ps tells YOU that you look good, you want to believe it......
So, back to the weight loss. I am certainly disappointed that I have not been able to lose more weight. (When I had my combo surgery in January, and was not exercising, I lost about 15 lbs. just like that. Just sitting in my recliner and walking around the block.) I do not understand this at all. Crazy.
Now that I am back at exercising, I have gained back about 8 pounds. I am really dumbfounded. I can see that some of it is that I've gained muscle, but my pants do fit a bit tighter also, even though they are the same size as before. This is just upsetting; I just want to throw that scale away, and never weigh again. But, I know that this is something I cannot do. I have to try to figure out what is going on with me, and try to find the right formula between exercise and diet that produces weight loss. My trainer says eat fish, veggies, and some fruit. Drink lots of water. No or not much carbs.
However, if you are going to cycle, then you have to eat carbs. You will simply run out of stored glycogen halfway through the ride. You have to eat foods with a higher glycemic index at certain intervals before you go, and during the ride. Even the night before. So, not eating carbs is not going to work for me all of the time. And I am not giving up cycling because I love it!!!
So, there is this whole thing about my weight and the different types of exercise that I enjoy, and learning how to manage my diet to arrive at my goal weight. I am really struggling. I would like to be about 20 pounds lighter. (My BMI really is borderline, and I would have to lose at least 10 pounds to get off of the borderline side of the BMI chart.) My trainer says this is ridiculous, but I would really like to achieve my original goal. However, exercising and eating right are not just about my goal. It is now my lifestyle, and a change that I will remain committed to.
So, this is where I am today. I am very happy about the progress I've made, but I never did hit my "goal" weight which was 150. I would probably look pretty thin at that weight, but then the less you weigh, the easier it is exercise!! Plus, it would just feel good to finally make my goal, even though I cannot say that I am not thrilled with my progress so far.
If you are overweight/obese, and have co-morbid conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and /or diabetes, then please consider having WLS for your health and honestly, for your sanity. Yo-yo dieting is bad for you, damages your metabolism, and will eventually drive you batty. Not to mention the damage that being heavy does to your self esteem.
Please see a board certified bariatric surgeon with a lot of experience in the procedure that you need or want to have. If you live in or around the Houston area, then please go see Dr. Robert Marvin. He is simply wonderful, and you will be in great hands!!
I am not going to post pics of myself due to anonymity, sorry. Besides, all of my "fat" pictures have since been destroyed and/or thrown out along with all of my "fat" clothes.........
I haven't posted very much to my WLS review because I was busy healing from plastic surgery. It has been nearly 9 months since I last posted anything. I want to say what an amazing and exciting transformation this has been for me!!
I am so happy that I decided to have WLS ! I cannot imagine still having to "drag" all of that extra weight around. (Even though I was curvy, and nobody thought of me as "obese" - At least that's what they said- I was definitely obese.)
I can look back and think about days when I stepped on the scale, and no matter what I seemed to do or how hard I tried, the numbers just didn't go down. It was terribly depressing. I did not understand then that the extra fat produces hormones that disrupt your metabolism, and keep you fat. It is just nearly impossible for some of us to lose the weight and keep it off without having WLS surgery.
Part of the puzzle for me is that I do believe (No, I KNOW) that I have a slow metabolism, and I have had more than one doctor tell me that my thyroid is not functioning well; however, Dr. Marvin did not want to put me back on Synthroid, even though I took it before. My core temperature runs at about 96 F. (No kidding) One endocrinologist had me taking it every morning before I got out of bed, and I recorded in the 96 to 96.5 range every day. He said my thermometer was broken, or that I didn't know how to take it. (Oh, come on. I am a nurse. I know how to take my damn temperature.) So, I used my old mercury thermometer. Same temps. Perhaps some of you also have this problem ??
Anyway, it is very frustrating to be eating only 1400 to 1500 max calories per day, doing all of the running, lifting and cycling that I am doing, and have my weight hardly budge. (I am still the exact same size I was 4 years ago; although, I do believe more of it is muscle.) My hip measurement is pretty much the same, but I have bigger thigh and arm circumferences. This can make shopping somewhat more difficult for me. Especially pants. I have to buy them with the stretch in them. Or wear leggings. (Yes, I am part of the leggings are pants movement.)
On a positive note, despite the slower metabolism, at least I haven't gained any of the weight back...I am so into my exercise now that I've had my tummy tuck!! It gave me that extra push. My figure just looks a lot better, and I am happier when I buy clothes, and they actually look pretty good. I just took my "after" photos for my tummy tuck last week. Despite the fact that I hated taking nearly naked pictures (lol), and my body is certainly not "perfect", my ps says that I look good. Well, I know it's his job to make patients feel good about themselves, but I do hope that he meant it !! You know how many women he probably sees everyday, (Some of whom I'm sure look a lot better than I do.) But, when your ps tells YOU that you look good, you want to believe it......
So, back to the weight loss. I am certainly disappointed that I have not been able to lose more weight. (When I had my combo surgery in January, and was not exercising, I lost about 15 lbs. just like that. Just sitting in my recliner and walking around the block.) I do not understand this at all. Crazy.
Now that I am back at exercising, I have gained back about 8 pounds. I am really dumbfounded. I can see that some of it is that I've gained muscle, but my pants do fit a bit tighter also, even though they are the same size as before. This is just upsetting; I just want to throw that scale away, and never weigh again. But, I know that this is something I cannot do. I have to try to figure out what is going on with me, and try to find the right formula between exercise and diet that produces weight loss. My trainer says eat fish, veggies, and some fruit. Drink lots of water. No or not much carbs.
However, if you are going to cycle, then you have to eat carbs. You will simply run out of stored glycogen halfway through the ride. You have to eat foods with a higher glycemic index at certain intervals before you go, and during the ride. Even the night before. So, not eating carbs is not going to work for me all of the time. And I am not giving up cycling because I love it!!!
So, there is this whole thing about my weight and the different types of exercise that I enjoy, and learning how to manage my diet to arrive at my goal weight. I am really struggling. I would like to be about 20 pounds lighter. (My BMI really is borderline, and I would have to lose at least 10 pounds to get off of the borderline side of the BMI chart.) My trainer says this is ridiculous, but I would really like to achieve my original goal. However, exercising and eating right are not just about my goal. It is now my lifestyle, and a change that I will remain committed to.
So, this is where I am today. I am very happy about the progress I've made, but I never did hit my "goal" weight which was 150. I would probably look pretty thin at that weight, but then the less you weigh, the easier it is exercise!! Plus, it would just feel good to finally make my goal, even though I cannot say that I am not thrilled with my progress so far.
If you are overweight/obese, and have co-morbid conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and /or diabetes, then please consider having WLS for your health and honestly, for your sanity. Yo-yo dieting is bad for you, damages your metabolism, and will eventually drive you batty. Not to mention the damage that being heavy does to your self esteem.
Please see a board certified bariatric surgeon with a lot of experience in the procedure that you need or want to have. If you live in or around the Houston area, then please go see Dr. Robert Marvin. He is simply wonderful, and you will be in great hands!!
I am not going to post pics of myself due to anonymity, sorry. Besides, all of my "fat" pictures have since been destroyed and/or thrown out along with all of my "fat" clothes.........
I wish you all the best on your WLS journey.
I have NEVER regretted my decision, not wven once !!
No matter what, be proud of yourself.
It takes courage to take this step, and it takes determination to keep it off.
Just keep going !!!
Hi. If you are still on this site, then please tell me how you are doing. I really want to know. I missed my 4 year check up with Dr. Marvin because I was busy having a tummy tuck/hysterectomy (The absolute best thing I ever did, second to WLS surgery.) I really feel great, and I owe it all to the surgeons whom have dedicated themselves the the art and science of WLS and plastics. I love both of my surgeons dearly, would not trade them for the world. I think of you often, and I wonder how you are. I need to re-schedule my 4 year checkup with Dr. Marvin. I will call soon.
I am now at about 165 still. I am running/ walking 5 plus miles 3x weekly and cycling weekends. The cycling is hard ! And it is about to kill me. LOL You think you are in good shape until you try cycling. I have decided to lift 2x weekly with a trainer. He is going to counsel me on my diet, which is probably not adequate for the amount of exercise I am doing. (I already know.) The problem is, I don't know how to eat any differently, and I am scared to eat more. He is going to help me. He is my daughter's trainer, and her transformation has been awesome !! She was always a heavier child. She has thinned out, but the amount of muscle this child has is unbelievable. She is a competitive bmx rider. Her performance has improved drastically since she started with her trainer. I am so stoked !!! Ready to start.
Please let me know how you are doing. I know the weight struggle is real, and it always will be for us. I think all we can do is stick to our guns, and support each other. !! I sincerely hope you are doing well.