Here We Go!

I have been stalking people on this and other bariatric surgery websites for a little over a year now. I am finally at a point where enough is enough and scheduled the surgery for February 7, 2017.

I am 46, high weight 352.6 and I'm 5'8" tall. I have been curvy all my life, but never weighed this much before. I was a size 14 in high school and felt HUGE - now I would kill to be a size 14 and feel like a supermodel! Anyway, stuff happens in life and the pounds would come and go but in the last 2 years they just won't go anymore. My health is deteriorating and my ability to do normal everyday things has been seriously impacted. I am constantly tired and sore and unhappy.

So, I'm doing something about it and having a sleeve gastrectomy. I have been researching this online for more than a year now. I read reviews, asked people who know people that have had the procedure and have interviewed 3 surgeons who all believe this is the best way to go for me to be successful at losing and keeping the weight off.

The first surgeon was at a local hospital. I went to the seminar then had a consult in his office. Everything seemed good, but when I started googling the surgeon I found some truly horrifying news articles about the surgeon and a patient that sued him for malpractice. I knew at that point that I couldn't go with that surgeon, even though I liked him when I had the consult.

Several months went by. I found out the procedure was not covered by my insurance so I started saving up little by little to self pay. I kept researching online and talking to people. Someone suggested looking into medical tourism in Mexico. I founds tons of positive reviews on this on this website and others and eventually reached out to a surgeon in Mexico and did their questionnaire to see if I was a candidate. I was approved pretty quickly, but after talking it out with my husband decided not to go out of country for this. The traveling back and forth was what really worried me. Multiple flights after having a serious surgery just didn't seem like a good idea to me.

So, more researching and I found a surgeon here in Florida that would do the procedure for about $11,000 for self-pay patients, Dr. Wizman in Margate. I researched him and his partner, Dr. Taggar. I called their office and asked some questions and was pleased with their answers and kindness. A few weeks later, I noticed an online add that Dr. Taggar was offering the procedure for only $7,990 and that was the push I needed to get the ball rolling. I set up a skype consultation with Dr. Taggar and felt confident that he would take care of me. He answered all my questions and seemed genuinely concerned about making me feel comfortable with the procedure and the steps I need to take to get there.

So, I have set the surgery date for February 7th and received my info packet from Dr. Taggar yesterday.

I have finally gone through the patient info packet I received earlier in the week. So much info that my brain is kinda overloaded.

Because my BMI above 48, Dr. Taggar wants me to start a diet now. So, I am on his Phase 1 diet. This means that I eat 3 meals a day and must drink 64 oz of water per day. The meals are to be 4-6 oz of lean protein and unlimited vegetables. I must also have 2 servings of low fat dairy per day as well. So, basically no carbs - yikes!

I started this on Monday and today is Thursday and so far, surprising no issues. At times I have felt a little light-headed but I just grab some baby carrots or celery and eat that and it goes away. I am using the Walden Farms calorie-free dressing with the raw veggies. I have also had a Premier Protein shake when I have a big gap between lunch and dinner and don't have time to stop and eat the veggies.

I have found that prepping stuff in advance really helps a lot with sticking to the plan. I bought some bento box containers and have filled those with lunchmeat and veggies and cottage cheese so at lunch time I just have to grab one out of the fridge. It's nice to not have to think about what to prepare, etc. and clean up is super easy since I'm not cooking anything. I discovered that you can order your deli meats online at Publix (our grocery store) and pick up in store. So, I did that and had several different meats portioned out to 6 ounces - no weighing or guessing. Really helpful with sticking to correct portion size.

I have also exercised 3 days this week, which is huge for me. I walked a half mile the first two days plus did some weights at the gym and then the third day I walked 1 mile down my street with my husband. Easy peasy.

Did a sleep study last week and received the results. I have moderate to severe sleep apnea. So, I'll be sporting the lovely mask at night soon. I am glad to finally have some answers to why I am so tired ALL THE TIME, but it is pretty scary to know how dangerous this is and how it effects my body.

Just another reason why I need to have the surgery and take back my health! Hopefully I won't have to use the machine for long.