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I am a newbie and have not yet had the surgery, but I thought I would share the beginning of my weight loss surgery story in hopes of finding support and shared experiences with those of you who have been through this.

I was never obese as a child. I was not thin, but not overweight enough to be completely tormented by other elementary school kids. My real weight problems began in high school. I started my freshman year as a size 11. By the time I graduated I had ballooned to a size 18. After high school, I went on a series of fad diets and stayed between a size 14 and 20 until I was 23. At that time I went on Weight Watchers at a starting weight of 215. I managed to lose about 80 lbs. in six months time and dropped to 135. That was the only time as an adult that I was a size 8/9 and I maintained that size for about 1 year. It was the only time in my life when I actually considered myself thin.

When the weight came back, it really never stopped. I put on a little bit every year until I reached my highest point this year at 309. When I broke 300, I was in denial - thinking it was a fluke and that I would miraculously drop back down in no time. That was six months ago.

I have unsuccessfully tried every weight loss plan under the sun including Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers (many times), calorie counting, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, and LA Weight Loss. So finally, this past April I asked my PCP for a referral to see a weight loss surgeon. She didn’t think it was a good idea because she wasn’t convinced that I had tried enough on my own. I received a denial from her and the medical group 2 weeks later. I thought that was that.

It wasn’t until a week later when I sat next to a colleague on a business flight that I changed my mind and decided to fight. My colleague was someone who had lost a tremendous amount of weight in the 6 months since I had last seen him. I asked his secret and he told me about his RNY experience. Since we work for the same company, I validated that he had used our HMO plan, found out who his doctor was, transferred to that doctor and medical group (UC Davis), and made an appointment with my new PCP. She put in for my referral right after my first appointment in June. I waited several months to attend the orientation at UC Davis and complete my introductory paperwork because I was trying to “build my case” by having blood work and other tests done to identify any potential co-morbidities.

By 10/1, I decided I had done enough “pre-work,” and attended the orientation for weight loss surgery at UC Davis. I turned in my pre-paperwork and officially began the process.

I now have a consultation scheduled with the surgeon – Dr. Mohamed Ali – on 11/21. I was told that if I were a candidate, I would receive a tentative surgery date at that time.

Since attending orientation, I have joined a couple of forums, picked up and started reading Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies, and talked to most of my family & friends about my choice. I am also quitting smoking – something I have done since I was 18 years old (I’m now 34). Since we are required to be at least 30 days smoke free prior to surgery, I do not want this to hold up my process!

My mind is made up that this is the right option for me, but now I just want to know more about the process. I appreciate any advice or insight you can offer. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful group!

~Andrea

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