pamipoo
In May 2007, I went to an Information Meeting for Centegra's Bariatric Weight Loss Center. I knew within minutes that Dr. Heydari was THE physician who would change my life FOREVER! He DID!!!
In 2005 I tried a different well renowned bariatric center and as soon as there was issue with my insurance, they dropped me COLD - never returned any of my phone calls. I threw my hands up and gained even more weight. In 2004, I wound up with Diabetes Type II, (which does NOT run in my family - so I knew it was brought on by my obesity) was insulin dependent, had sleep apnea, high cholesterol, retained water ALL THE TIME, I was falling asleep constantly, had aches and pains in my legs, knees, back - you name it! My primary doctor recommended Dr. Heydari. Not only is Dr. H. THE BEST surgeon, he is a quality human being! His staff is remarkable and our support group is AMAZING - I love them all!
I started going through all the preliminary steps, adhering to each and every one, only to find in October 2007, bariatric surgery was an exclusion in the insurance package the company I work for offers. I was at one of my lowest of lows, feeling overlooked, discarded, helpless and hopeless. BUT, I rallied and held on to my faith - although it waivered at times. I KNEW Bariatric surgery would save my life! I knew without it, I WOULD SURELY DIE BEFORE MY TIME!!!! I borrowed from my 401k and was committed to having bariatric surgery - but, which one? I prayed for an answer, and researched the bypass and the lap band. Out of the blue, Dr. Heydari informed me of an alternative procedure - the Vertical Sleeve. Normally, the vertical sleeve is the first of a two step process and is usually used on patients whose BMI is very high. They perform the sleeve and when the patient loses a lot of weight, this affords them the ability to have the last part of the surgery, which is the gastric bypass. My procedure would be different in that they would only be doing the one step. I ran home, got on the Internet and researched until my eyes felt like they were going to fall out of my head! I actually SAW 3 different vertical sleeves being performed - it was incredible! And I felt it was an answer to a prayer! This was it! As sure as I was standing there, THIS WAS IT! I would be the FIRST of Dr. Heydari's patients to have the Vertical Sleeve for BARIATRIC PURPOSES and the first one performed at Centegra Memorial Medical Center - now Centegra Woodstock in IL. I think, mine was the first bariatric vertical sleeve preformed in McHenry County, IL if not the state of Illinois! He had done them before for other medical reasons, so this was not new to him. (another positive) With Dr. Heydari's passion and commitment, his ability to negotiate with the hospital, I had my surgery December 18, 2007 - exactly one year from this writing. I was blessed - 3 days after surgery, I was on the dance floor of our support group's Christmas party! I felt THAT good!!!!
I am down approximately 70 pounds, I have NO....let me repeat that, NO Diabetes, (my A1C is 5.1) NO insulin, NO sleep apnea, cholesterol DOWN, blood pressure, DOWN......ALL MY NUMBERS ARE NORMAL!!!! I don't have aches and pains and my energy is high! I have my life back! I can hold my head up and I feel good about myself for the first time in YEARS!!!!! All the glory goes to God, and His ability to work through Dr. Heydari! AMEN!!!! My whole life is in front of me and I am excited to live it to the fullest!
Approximately 6 months after the "sleeve" surgery, I hit a brick wall and lost NO more weight. As of June 2008 I was at a stand still of having lost 70 pounds, but I was still happy and excited. After all, all the comorditities I had were COMPLETELY resolved. The following 6 months I wound up with severe acid reflux. I was taking meds for this but it just got worse, to the point where I could not even drink water without it burning. Between December 2008 and March 2009, I gained about 25 pounds! March 2009 I had a endoscopy where they found some ulcers and the beginings of Barret's. May 26, 2009 I had surgery to correct these maladys and am back on track!
I have reclaimed my life after WLS and have ABSOLTULEY NO REGRETS, whatsoever! The KEY for anyone deciding whether they should have surgery, is finding NOT only a qualified BARIATRIC physician but a center that has an ACTIVE SUPPORT GROUP. These groups should offer not only support but ONGOING education, confidentiality and a sense of relatedness! I love the group that is a part of Centegra Bariatric Weight Loss Center - we have become FAST friends!
God put me where I needed to be (as He always does!) and I am ETERNALLY blessed and grateful!
