BIG F.
I'm 6'0 355 lb. My BMI is 48.1 I have been overweight/obese the majority of my life. I have tried to lose weight all my life. I have tried the cabbage diet, the veggie diet, the grapefruit diet, the Atkins diet, Gennie Craig diet, and the x lax diet. I have been through a medical supervised diet taking b-6/b-12 shots and diet pills and daily exercise. I have failed on all attempts. I went into the military in my mid twenties hopefully to get in shape. The weight went down then went up. They sent me to a fitness program which I was introduced to over-eaters anonymous (OA) where I tried the 301 program I was not successful. The military discharged me because of my obesity after 9 years.
I have arthritis pain in my joints and back. I can't walk more than 25 feet before I have to stop. I have to sleep in a upright position because if I don't I can't stand up in the morning when I get out of bed. I take pain medication on a daily basis and can't function without it. I also take blood pressure medicine. After years of research and soul searching I've come to grips with one fact, I need this surgery so I can lead a normal life. I want to live, not just exist. I just want to feel alive again
03/17/06
I talk to Susan at the Barix Clinic in Scottsdale Az. I got an appointment on April 11 to talk to the surgeon. Well the journey has begun.
03/29/06
I talk to Susan at the clinic today my appointment has been moved up a week to April 4th. Now the questions are entering my mind. I want the lap but what if the surgeon tells me I need open. Well I'm going pray. I believe God will show me the way.
04/04/06
Well I went to see the surgeon today and he told me exactly what I expected he recommended OPEN RNY. After giving me his reason and explaining benefits and possible complications I feel comfortable with the decision. Also he wants me to have a Cardiac Consultation and that is scheduled for April 18. So the insurance paper work is being sent off and now the waiting game. In the meantime he recommended taking Vitamins(which I just did) and eating healthier. Oh yeah, STOP SMOKIN. Said he refuse to do surgery if I don't stop for at least six weeks prior to surgery.
04/12/06
Well here goes, went to see another Dr. today concerning lap surgery. First of all I must say he was very thorough. It was a group seminar and he went over everything. We were there for four hours. I asked about lap vs open and all my questions were answered. He seem to feel that either one would work for me, however due to the way were built, it's tougher on men than woman due to the concentration of fat in the middle. I had a few question concerning who decide if I need a cardiac or psych eval etc. The doctor also said he don't operate on anyone who has smoke for the last 3 months or has any intention of going back to smoking again. Well I found that in my case it's the doctor because my insurance only require a BMI of 40. So my dilemma is still the same do I jump thur the hoops or go get my surgery (open) from my first doctor who said all he wants is a cardiac eval due to my age and stop smoking for 6 weeks. I also can keep looking but I don't want to delay the process. Well I guess I'll just pray.
4/18/06
OK, I went to get my cardiac eval today and I was given a EKG and the results were fine. The DR came in went over my results and said to be sure he wants me to take a stress test and that is scheduled for May 5. Well patience was never one of my qualities, but GOD has a plan for me and things will happen in his time.
4/20/06
I got a call today from the cardiac DR, I got a appointment for tomorrow at 7:30 am. I also got a call from the insurance company the nurse ask me a few health questions, then said as of FEB 1 they now require a Physic eval. Now at first I was pissed. Now I know I'm crazy, my friends know I'm crazy but I have to convince these nuts that I'm fully aware of my faculties. Well I just thought about that song by McFadden and Whitehead "AINT NO STOPPIN US NOW". Well, off to pray then sleep.
4/21/06
Well guys, I finish my stress test and echo cardiogram today. Won't know the results till next week, but I live to talk about it. So, the next hurdle is the physic eval. This is not just a journey it's now become an adventure.
4/29/06
WELL GUY'S!!! The results are in!!! I took the echo cardiogram, EKG and and Nuclear Stress test and all came back GREAT. Next the Psychological exam. AM I CRAZY OR AM I NUTS we will see.
5/01/06
The psych eval is done and to admit it I found the process to be very painless. I took a written test 165 questions and also a small questioner. Then I talk to the doctor for a hour she ask question concerning my knowledge of the procedure, my motivations, my sex life (that could have taken the whole interview), OK I'm lying, my expectations after surgery, my family and external support system. Also discuss past diet attempts and family medical and weight history. After the interview she told me that she felt that I would be a good candidate for the surgery. She also said that UBH sometimes want a couple of months pre-op counseling, but she is not going to recommend it.
05/09/06
I'M APPROVED, Well, made it to first base. I think I'll just reflect on the journey for the rest of the day. Tomorrow start thinking about a date.
05/11/06
Isn't this an amazing journey. So far I've found myself to be obsessive in gathering information, attending seminars, group meeting and reading post. I hope the remainder of the journey is as exciting.
05/18/06
I got a date. June 26,2006 I guess I will think of this as my new birth (re birth just seem over used). I have my pre-admission testing on June 13 2006 at the Barix Clinic. Can't get the smile off my face.
05/19/06
I got a call today from the Barix Clinic my date has moved up to June 19, 2006 7:30 am. (One month and counting)
06/10/06
Well the reality of this whole process is starting to sink into this thick skull of mine. Yes the light at the end of the tunnel, watch what you ask for you might get it. Here I am, only the pre-op testing and then its show time. You see, all the support, all the research, but when it's time it's just me, the surgeon and GOD. Yes that's right GOD! It's going to be alright.
06/13/06
Pre-op testing in now complete. They check my blood said my iron was a little low but I'm OK. Next, check the gall bladder in good shape said they think they will let me keep it. I took the breathing test damm near passed out, said it wasn't where they wanted it but good enough for surgery. What do you expect from a guy who smoked for 30 years and stop about a month ago. Well I haven't gained any weight and that's surprising since I've been eating the last supper since April. I was told they may have to change the time of my surgery which I was told was going to be first at 07:30, but because they have three scheduled and the doctor likes to do the biggest first they are going to do my second. Can you believe that I go second because I'm not fat enough to go first. Well anyway trying to get that changed. So everything is set for June 19. Time, to be determined.
06/14/06
I just got a call from my doctor said since my iron was low said may be anemic, wants me to take a ColonOscopy (SH**) and I mean that. Well surgery off for now. I go for a consult on Friday and probably tested on Tuesday. Thank you guys for all support. God is in control.
06/16/06
I went to the doctor today for my consultation concerning the Colonoscopy. Now I don't know if it's just me but as soon as I get there the nurses practitioner tells me I need an Endoscope. Hold on! Wait a minute!! I came here to make an appointment for one thing and now your telling me I need something else. Then she tells me to wait she needs to talk to the doctor. After five minutes she comes back and tells me that I need to have both to find out why I have low iron saturation. So here is the deal on June 20th I go in for both procedures. They stick something down my throat then they stick something up my butt. I stayed out of jail to prevent this type of thing. Well God has a plan for me.
06/21/06
Well the Colonoscopy and Endoscope went well. The DR looked and probed and found nothing that would stop me from having surgery. When I left the clinic I felt totally violated. Enough of that, I got a call from the Barix Clinic and my surgery has been rescheduled for July 10th. This surgery will happen in GODS time not mine.
06/29/06
Well here we go again, Got a call today found out I tested positive for H pylori. So when I got my Endoscope they sent samples to the LAB. You do know what that mean!!! Surgery delayed again. I have to take the antibiotics for 14 days before I can have surgery. So I just decided not to post a date for surgery. I think I'll just let you guys know after the fact. If I sound depress I'm not. Just a reminder that I'm not in-charge. GOD IS.
07/04/06
I saw a sign today, It said Fear then Faith then DO IT.
07/10/06 Day of surgery starting weight 357.6
07/16/06
GOD IS GOOD!!! Well DID IT. In the process of recovering and feeling better every day. No one can exactly prepare you for everything that you will go through mentally or physically but the information that I received from my friends (thanks Vanessa) and other OH members I feel like I understood what to expect.
07/17/06
Weight 345.6 BMI 46.8 DOWN 12 LBS
07/24/06
Weight 335.4 BMI 45.4 DOWN 22 LBS
07/30/06
Weight 326.6 BMI 44.2 DOWN 31 LBS
08/06/06
Weight 320.5 BMI 43.4 DOWM 37 LBS
Weight loss seem to be slowing down a bit. However, when was the last time I loss 37 lbs in a month? P.S. The last time my weight was this low was in 2001.
08/14/06
Weight 314.4 BMI 43.0 down 43LBS
Started back to work last week everything is going great. I started on soft foods today still learning how to eat. I'm down about 43 LBS since surgery I really don't know if that's slow or fast but I'll take it.
08/20/06
Weight 310.6 Down 47 LBS (next goal 299)
Well seems that the weight loss has slowed down a bit but I'm not going to let this get me down. I joined the GYM today and got a good workout on the treadmill. I'm going to go 5 times a week. Also I decided not to weigh myself for the next month. I will not be a slave to the scale. P.S. I have lost 6 inches off my waist. (YEAH)
08/27/06
Well as chairman and CEO of the Anti-Scale Coalition I will not weigh myself for another 3 weeks. Now on a positive note my size 56 jeans are hanging off my butt like a 21 year old wannabee rapper and all of my to tight T-shirts are hanging off of my chest. As MR Rogers would say IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
09/08/07
So the experts say be patient, but I'm so tired of being on a plateau. My fellow WLS soldiers tell me just wait and all of sudden your going to start dropping again. This may be true but right now I'm pissed. Now I know the rebuttal. Look at how much weight you lost so far. When is the last time you lost that much that fast. Your body is in shock you just had major surgery. My intake is about 1000 calories a day, I workout on the treadmill 3 times a week. I drink a gallon of water a day and get 100g of protein a day. I haven't step on the scale for about two weeks and I broke a promise to myself and did it. I'm pissed. Ok I'm done venting.
Think positive, think positive, think positive and watch football tonight. This is not about plateaus it about patience.
09/12/06
Well I waited a few days just to be sure but it's confirmed. The pleateau is over. I'm now officially 299.1 LBS.
09/18/06
Weight 295 lbs. down 62 lbs BMI 40.0
09/19/06
I went to Burlington because all my pants are to big except one I found in the back of the closet that been hiding for 5 years. Well I now wear size 52. That's right I have went from a 60 waist to a 52 waist in 9 weeks. So much for that plateau that I was crying about. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY.
9/26/06
The pleautu is over I now weighting 291.3. I'm actually starting to feel lighter. The compliements are coming everyday but I still have 71.3 Lbs to go. I'm still trying to figure out what the pouch wants but I try not to test his limits, because like his keeper he can be a real ASSHOLE when he don't get his way. I take my protien everyday plus the gallon of water (Walmart brand Crystal Lite), and multivitamin. Again want to say HI and I'm doing great.
10/01/06
Weight 287.6 down 70 lbs in less than 3 months.
10/10/06
Things going great. My surgery was 3 months today my weight is 284 Down 73 lbs
P. S. I can fit into a restaurant booth
10/23/06
Weight 281 down 76 lbs
10/29/06
Weight 276 down 81lbs
