Jersey Girl
I've been a member of OH for almost 7 years now, so I figure it's about time I formally introduce myself and tell my story.
My Weight Loss Surgery Time Line:
2002: I begin researching the Lap Band and weight loss surgery after learning that Sharon Osbourne from the "new" show The Osbournes had lost 100lbs after getting a band in 1999. However, I am unemployed and uninsured at the time so the surgery must wait. I'm not sure how much I weigh since it's been years since a scale was able to accurately weight me. At the time I'm 23 years old.
2003: I'm on my way! I have a real job with great health insurance benefits. I'm sure the minimally invasive Lap Band is for me. I find OH and the list of Lap Band surgeons. I make an appointment with Dr. Noel Williams at the University of Pennsylvania.
2004: I meet with Dr. Williams and learn I am 475lbs!!! OH.....MY......GOD!!! I'm 24 years old and almost 500lbs. During our consult, he advises that with the amount of weight I need to lose the RNY gastric bypass is the way to go. He does not feel I will be successful long term with the Lap Band. I'm afraid of such a major surgery, but at this point I'm feeling hopeless. I'd been in a size 26/28 and shopping at Lane Bryant since the 5th grade. 14 years later, I'm stretching out 30/32 elastic waisted pants. Something had to be done.
I spend the first quarter of 2004 preparing for my RNY which was to be done on March 9, 2004. Three days before my birthday on March 12. I go into surgery, but instead of getting the RNY, I wake up in recovery and learn instead I have the VBG. The Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is the predecessor of the adjustable bands. The VBG is a fixed band and at the time, it was already an antiquated procedure proving to not have very good long term success rates. I was devastated when I returned home and began researching the VBG. But I was determined to make it work for me. I had to.
2005-2006: I spend the next couple of years losing slowly but steadily. I joined Curves and workout regularly. I haven't taken a sip of soda since before surgery, don't eat fast food and keep no junk food in my apartment.
2007: I have stalled at 297lbs. It's January. I quit Curves, start using the free gym at work and use the extra money to pay for Weight Watchers. It's a great year. I start losing again and by the end of the year I've met a great man and I'm engaged!
2008: I've reach my lowest weight of 225lbs. I look good, but I'm obsessed with the scale and I'm dieting and exercising like crazy to get below 200lbs! It doesn't happen.
2009: I'm planning a wedding, I'm gaining weight, and I'm stressed the hell out! I no longer feel restriction when I eat. I'm concerned with the amount of food I can take in. I'm off and on Weight Watchers at this point. I'm hungry! Although I've met with Dr. Williams over the last 5 years, this year I inquire about a revision to the Lap Band. If only my band were adjustable and I could get my restriction back. He tells me I've done well and he won't agree to a revision.
I gain to 234lbs and struggle to stay there until after the wedding on May 8, 2009. After the wedding and the crazy dieting that came with it, I start gaining more quickly. I never feel full. I hardly feel restriction. On top of this, my reflux has worsened and I'm becoming more and more intolerant to animal protein. The foods that I should eat, I need to eat won't go down. They feel stuck and usually come back up. Chicken, beef, pork, broccoli, rice, a bagel......anything of substance is uncomfortable to eat. The simple carbs and sugary foods and drinks go down the easiest. Figures!
The excess weight is wrecking havoc on my hormones and causing fertility issues. Something has to be done. By November, I am 277lbs.
2010: I make a strong return to OH to start looking at my options. The band is not for me. I need malabsorption. I've always needed it. I first consider RNY, but think twice after remembering a few close friends and relatives with failed RNYs, some which required revisions. I visit the Revision forum and from the number of RNYers on the board, I'm sure it's not the surgery for me. I find the Duodenal Switch forum and a wonderful revision surgeon who performs the DS practically in my backyard! I schedule an appointment with Dr. David Greenbaum in May. However, my plans are put on hold when my father-in-law passes. My husband and I move from DE to MD and I switch employers.
2011: MY DAY HAS COME!!! I'm settled into live in Maryland, have a new job and my revision is back on the radar. I have a revision date with Dr. Greenbaum, March 7, 2011. Five days before my birthday! I am 334lbs and ready for my life to change forever for the best with my Duodenal Switch. This surgery will allow me to once again feel comfortable in my own skin and hopefully give me the opportunity to start a family.
Stay tuned......
