Dear Prospective Gastric Bypass Friend, 
“Weight loss has always been a struggle for me and I have always been fat. I can’t help it…I am big boned”. These are some of the things I not only told others, but myself as well. They say that your body is a temple. At 37, being 5’8” and my weight at 314 lbs., I felt entombed in mine with no hope in sight. I had type 2 diabetes, severe obstructive sleep apnea, constant back pain, and severely labored breathing. I felt that I needed to do something now before I was dead at 45.
Anyone that knows me can tell you that I am the life of a party. I have a great personality, but I did not feel comfortable in my own skin. (Pardon the pun). I am a Rowan University student and just walking around campus was a chore. I was constantly tired and would fall asleep in classes. My family was worried that I wouldn’t be around much longer if I did not do something.
I went to Dr. Attia on May 15, 2008. I did my research on the internet BEFORE I went to see him. I opted for Laparoscopic Gastric By-pass. I knew the risks of this procedure, but for me this was the best option. Dr. Attia was extremely informative and had completed multiple successful procedures of this type.
I was ready to change my life not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
My surgery was on August 22, 2008. I woke up in the recovery room and Dr. Attia was right there and I was surprised that he was the 1st person I saw. My procedure went off without a hitch. In fact, I did so well, that Dr. Attia sent me home the 2nd day instead of the 3rd day. The first couple of days were rough because I was a little sore. By the next week I was feeling ok and went back to my everyday life.
I felt like I was in the movie Stephen King’s “Thinner”. I woke up 3-4 lbs. lighter every day. By the 1st month I had lost 54 lbs. By the 3rd month I had lost 92 lbs. Today, I am 6 months and 3 weeks out, and I am down 130 lbs. I was a 46 inch waist and in a 4X T-shirt. Today I have a 30 inch waist (I can squeeze into a 29) and I wear a Large T-shirt. My diabetes was gone in a week. No more needles. I can honestly say that this procedure works.
There are just a few words of advice for you if you are considering any gastric surgeries. Do your research. Learn about the procedure and the doctor before you go for your 1st appointment. Listen to the doctor. Follow his orders to the letter. He knows what he is talking about. Take your meds. They tell you to take them for a reason. Don’t skip them. Go to support meetings. They are there for YOUR benefit, not the doctor’s and staff. Get active. Go for a walk or join the gym…tone up as you lose the weight and you won’t have so much excess skin. It does help and it is good for you. Be prepared for all of the extra energy that you are going to have. Invest in Glad Press and Seal or Saran Wrap. You are definitely going to need it. I constantly have leftovers. Be prepared for changes. The changes are not just physical. The mental and emotional changes can be just as dramatic as the weight loss. Support group meetings address those issues as well. There are internet support sights also like ObesityHelp.com. Do NOT be afraid to seek extra support.
Good luck, I hope this is helpful to you and I will see you at the support group meetings.
Sincerely,
Marco Inskip
|