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Surgeon: Dr. Daniel Herron, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York, NY
Surgery date: July 12, 2000
Pre-op weight/BMI: 288/43.8
Current weight/BMI: 165/25.1 (as of one year post-op)

 
Left: October ‘99, with Nancy (300lb.); Right: July ‘00 (288lb.)

 
Left: 3 mo. post-op (232.5 lb.); Right: One year post-op (165lb.)

by Christa:

History
I was not always big. I used to be slim until about 15+ years or so ago. Then I started gaining. During that time I was going through huge stress in my life, being divorced and trying to raise 2 teenagers with mega problems. I started to gain 20-30 pounds in the beginning. Then I tried to diet, lost maybe half and then gained it all plus x back. That's when the rollercoaster dieting began.

In no time, I was very big. I got so big that I didn't even recognize myself when I dared to look in the mirror. That's when I asked myself the question, “How could that be? That's me?” And of course, it was me.

I've tried all the various diets like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Optifast, Physicians Weight Loss Diet, attended a few OA meetings, diet pills and so on. I would lose some weight, but then it always came back plus some extra pounds. I am sure we all have been there and done that....... you name them, I've tried them!

Turning Point
Finally at the end of November 1999 I reached a a very low point: one night, as I lay awake in my bed thinking about how awful I felt with all that weight, I got up and went to my PC reaching out for help. It was midnight, I will never forget that. I was searching the internet for “obesity” and came across the AMOS site. Oh my, I started to sob and cry. I read stories, browsed pictures, and said to myself, “There is help out there”. I wanted to change, I needed to change, not only for me but also for the sake of the kids, especially my now 3-year-old granddaughter,Taylor, whom I am raising. She needed me to be healthy and feeling energetic, being able to do the things with her that parents do.

From that site, I got a local surgeon's name and after undergoing all the pre-testing, I was scheduled for open RNY at a local hospital. There was no problem with my insurance company (Aetna/US Healthcare) - they approved within a week. BUT, I canceled the surgery. The reason for it: I got scared, I had seen too many people have too many problems. Also, the prospect if having to sit and chew my food for at least 30 minutes combined with the threat of “dumping” was not a pleasant thing to look forward to. So I started searching on the internet for an alternative. I found it: it was called mini-gastric bypass (MGB) done in NC by a Dr. Rutledge. It all sounded so good - quick surgery, quick recuperation time, little side effects - sounded perfect. BUT, my insurance company denied coverage for both the Dr. and also the hospital.

Instead, they gave me the names of Dr. Herron and Dr. Pomp at Mount Sinai in New York City.

My Surgery
I sent an email to Dr. Herron with some basic info and questions. He responded the very next day. They perform two types of WLS: lap RNY and lap BPD/DS. I set up an appointment with his office in May 2000. In the meantime, I started to research the DS, talking to people about the differences. When I had my appointment with Dr. Herron, he suggested the RNY because my BMI wasn't that big, but I asked him about DS. He suggested I think it over and give him a final decision. Frustrating. My insurance company tried to throw in a wrench at the last minute, claiming they wouldn't cover the surgery because it was out of state. However, since they had given me the referral, they really had no choice but to honor their own referral.

My surgery went smoothly with the normal ups and downs, pain/discomfort, that really had to be expected. But with the help of the morphine pump, it was bearable. After five days in the hospital, I went home.

Recuperation
The first 4 weeks of recuperation was a bit tough, the worst part was sleeping - it seemed almost impossible. I had one of those big body pillows that I propped around myself, sometimes under my knees. It was hard to sleep on the back only. Couldn't sleep on my sides, never mind the stomach. Then gradually I was able to turn to the sides a little bit at a time until about 5-6 weeks after I was able to sleep on my sides. It felt great!!! I had no problems with food.

For the first 4 weeks until my post-op checkup I stuck with the soft food: soups, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, spinach, soft fish, scrambled eggs, cheese. Dr. Herron told me at my check-up that I should be able to eat everything, but to check with the nutritionist, Nicole, just to make sure. Since then I've been eating EVERYTHING. Once in a while I notice that I should have not had something, because it makes me feel just a little bit nauseous. I have only thrown up once, and that was last week when I ate twice the quantity of food that I should have (the old mentality kicked in).

I eat like most post-ops eat: I concentrate on the protein first, then veggies and fruits and lastly carbs. I also take all of my vitamins faithfully. Bottom line: I feel really good - the weight is coming off, and the best thing about it is that it is going to stay off!! My new life has begun, and I am looking forward to a healthy me.

January 2002 update:
I can't believe it's been 1 1/2 years since my surgery. I am truly a happy camper and have never, ever regretted having this surgery. It hasn't always been easy, but now I have joined the ranks of so many who have gotten rid of that ugly and oh so unhealthy fat.

I have reached my weight goal before my 1 year anniversary, around month 11. My daughter was getting scared for me and was afraid I would continue to lose. She was actually ready to call the doctor. But then, lo and behold, the weight loss stopped. Perfect timing!

My cholesterol is low, I believe around 125, and I no longer need medication. My feet don't bother me any more, and the same holds true for my knees. I am able to run down the stairs, have been roller skating with my grandchildren and overall feel just fabulous!!!!!!!!! What else can I say? I guess what I am trying to say is that I not only look good, but most importantly, I feel good, I am healthier. As far as food is concerned, I can eat ANYTHING. And also very good portions, I might add.

Any down sides? Well, the only thing is the bathroom routines - you know what I mean? Usually I am good and watch what I eat, but then there are other times when I do have food that I very well know will cause the gas and diarrhea, so basically I will weigh it out and if it's worth it, I go for it and enjoy the food irregardless. Overall, it's not that bad. I just wanted to mention it because perhaps for some people, that could be an issue.

Best of luck to those of you who are considering the surgery. You can always write to me. I promise, I will answer!!!!!

send email to Christa

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