32 Years Old, Finally It Is Happening To ME!!! - Woodbridge, VA

My story......

I've been overweight majority of my life. Even when I wasn't I still believed I was because I was always the heaviest of my friends. I have been on the fence about having the weight loss surgery for years. I always found an excuse not to get it. In FEB 2012 I was at my heaviest, 307lbs. However that did not stop me from eating any and everything my heart desired. My PCP prescribed me a weight loss drug called phentermine. The drug aided in appetite suppression. I used it from May 2012 until March 2013, during which time my lowest weight was 249. Needless to say I was super stoked and felt great. I was attending the gym 3 times or more weekly and have lots of energy. I noticed I started gaining weight back in July 2013 and it didn't stop.

I contacted my insurance company to see what they would cover and found out that I met the criteria to undergo surgery and that they'd pay 100%. Prior to seeking consultation a bariatric surgeon I conducted hours of research on the subject matter. I decided to get the Vertical Sleeve. In January 2014 I finally made the decision to go see a bariatric surgeon to discuss the possibility of weight loss surgery options. I met with Dr. Dockins (BluePoint Surgical Group) and he agreed that the vertical sleeve was the best surgery for me and that it will give me the best result for long term success.

How fast things moved.......

8 JAN - Conducted my wellness visit ($250.00 out of pocket expense)
17 JAN - Conducted Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
31 JAN - 1 FEB - Conducted Psychological Assessment (250.00 out of pocket expense)
12 FEB - Submitted packed to insurance for approval
17 FEB - Package Approved. Received surgery date (5 MAR)
19 FEB - Started 2 week Optifast Liquid diet ($300 out of pocket expense)

2 week Pre-OP Diet....

Optifast Shakes (Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla)
Peanut Butter OR Chocolate Optifast Bar
Optifast Chicken Soup
Optifast Tomato Garden Soup

Day 1 - Yesterday was tough. I kept thinking about food all day and I didn’t get the proper daily water intake. Usually when I get off I think about what yummy goodness I can eat once I get home. I drank my last shake around 630pm. I went to visit one of my friends and had a drink so of course I had the munchies. I was fighting with myself the entire way home…should I get something to eat, should I abstain. I can’t lie I ended up passing Subway, did a U-turn and went in. Yes food won. I ate a falafel sub, plain chips and a macadamia nut cookie. I am so disgusted with myself. This will be my first and only time cheating.


Day Two - I feel better today. I ate the tomato soup….not bad. I am very full. Today I incorporated more water and coffee into my day. Coffee is definitely going to help me in my journey. I realized that I can’t drink due to the fact that is increases the hunger (aka munchies) I don’t even want to put myself in a situation where I am around alcohol. I have an event to attend to day and I am very leery about going. I know I need to practice restraint however, this is only day two and I don’t want to set myself up for failure.

Fast forward.....

Day 6 - I have purposely avoided attending events etc...because I didn't want to put myself in a situation where I'd cheat. However, I ended up going to a Wizards game. Of course as I walk to my seat I pass Chic-fil-a, Papa Johns and other vendors selling goodies. I managed to get through the entire game with out eating or drinking anything besides water. It was at that point were I realized how much food controlled my life. It's like a drug for me. Although I am pretty satisfied with what I can consume on the liquid diet I still crave FOOD. FOOD FOOD FOOD is all I think about. However, I have to prove to myself I can get through this period.

Day 8 - I am tired to drinking these shakes. I am so ready for the surgery. This week has been the longest of my life. LOL!!