Gastric Bypass/Weight Loss Update
Even though it’s been almost two-and-a-half years since my gastric bypass surgery I am still having a hard time wrapping my brain around some things. For example, before my surgery, I wore shirts that were size 4XL and 5XL. This past weekend I needed to buy some new knit shirts because the ones I have recently been wearing that are XL’s are too loose. I now am wearing knit shirts that are size L (large). I honestly don’t remember the last time I comfortably fit into a large knit shirt. Maybe my freshmen year in college (1981)? See how I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around that?
July 7th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Thanks for the visit Carl. It is always a pleasure to hear from you.
Well, all I can say is you go boy! Good for you. I am so happy to read a success story regarding this type of surgery. I have heard nothing but disasters regarding this risky, but necessary procedure for some.
Sadly, my husbands, ex-wife died because she refused the pre-op testing for this surgery. She also had a quack doctor - talk about not checking out your doc/surgeon - bad, bad and bad. Sadly, she had infection after infection, became disabled, was on a donor list for new liver, oh, she did lose all the weight but it hung off her body grotesquely. In the end she died one week before a liver became available to her - obviously it went to someone else. Sadly it left my husbands only daughter from that marriage, then sixteen, motherless.
Common sense should always rule in these situations and I truly believe that if a patient refuses to do the pre-op tests/requirements and allows them to sign a waver releasing the doc of any liability - they should not get the surgery. Too risky.
In the end regarding the doc, turns out this was not his first hack case and there was a lawsuit that names hundreds of people on them. My hubby’s ex was not allowed to be on that list since waved the pre-op testing. Apparently these people did the pre-ops and he just was a bad surgeon or not trained well in the procedure. He ended up committing suicide.
Truly this was a tragedy all around. Who knows, even had my dear hubby’s ex done the pre-ops with that docs track record, and I heard she was warned, but did it anyways - the outcome may have been the same.
I am just so glad you are okay and all went well for you. Glad you have lost the weight and you did not say, but I am sure you are eating more healthy and exercising. I am sure you feel 100% great! And thank G-d you had a GOOD surgeon that knew his/her stuff.
G-d bless and keep you and yours Carl.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Layla, I am saddened to hear of that story. Fortunately, Tallahassee is home to one of the best bariatric surgeons in the world, Dr. Eliot Sieloff. He’s had many people fly in from far distances for him to be their surgeon. And his record is impeccable. Both my wife and I are members of the local weight loss support group and many people in the group have had their surgeries done by Dr. Sieloff. I did extensive research (over 2 years’ worth) on the procedure, its risks and Dr. Sieloff himself. I found out later that it is not uncommon for potential patients to do such extensive research. This was something I made up my mind to do even though I have a HUGE phobia of needles. It was too important for me. I mean, I’ve tried every diet under the sun and just about every diet drug that was ever released and nothing, I mean NOTHING worked. This has worked for me so far. Now my wife is in line to have the surgery done IF she is approved by our insurance. And we plan on doing everything we can possibly do to make certain she is approved.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Carl ~
I am happy to hear of your success in your weight loss. I wish you all the best of luck.
God bless ~
Suzanne