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Surgeon: Dr. Marchesini, Curitiba, Brazil
Surgery date: February 25, 2003
Preop weight/BMI: 305/46.4
Current weight/BMI: 132/20.1 (as of July 11, 2004)

Most recent update: July 2004

 
Left: Pre-op (305lb.); Center: 3.5 months post-op (245lb.); Right: 4.5 months post-op (231lb.)

 
Left: Seven months post-op (189lb.); Center: 9.5 months post-op (162lb.); Right: 13.5 months post-op (145lb.)

by Jamie H.:

November 2003:
I am now 8 1/2 months postop. I had the DS with Dr.Marchesini in Curitiba, Brazil as a self-pay patient on Feb. 25th, 2003.

As of today, I have lost lost 128lbs of my 305lb preop weight, to current weight of 177lbs, for a total loss of 135lbs from my highest weight on Feb. 10th,2003.

I began researching weightloss surgery in 2002. At this time I knew very little of the DS, only the RNY, after running across a post on the WLS board about a patient having the DS, I began to research it futher. Finally after alot of research and talking to other DS patients, I came to the conclusion that this was the best surgery for me.

Because my insurance policy at work through UHC would not pay for any surgery, and I could not afford to pay the money it cost here to have it, I began looking for another option for those who self pay, which brought me to Dr. Marchesini, a wonderful man, who became more than my Doctor, but someone I am proud to call my friend. I don’t think I could have found a better, more caring, respected person, who is an excellent, very skilled Doctor. I could not say enough good things about this man, he truly has given me my life back again, a whole new life with endless possibilities, and for that alone, I will be forever grateful, and feel very thankful that there is a surgery like the DS that finally helps you conquer this battle for once and for all.

I like to say that I am a "work in progress". I am about 27lbs from my goal weight of 150, but I will get there...."I WILL GET THERE!"

Good luck to all the preops out there still in the beginning process! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, especially about being a self-pay patient and my experience. I would love to answer any questions you may have. Enjoy your journey!

July 2004 Update:

I am now 16.5 months postop DS. I have lost a total of 180lbs since my highest weight, and 173lbs since surgery. I hit a all time low weight of 128lbs at around 15 months postop, and have since bounced up a few pounds in last few weeks to current weight of 132lbs. I returned to Brazil in March of this year and had plastic surgery with Dr. Cavalcanti of Curitiba. I had a tummy tuck, butt lift and breast augmentation. I still need some work done on my thighs and arms due to so much excess skin and I am hoping to complete the next surgery soon. It just feels so great to have my life back once again!

Send email to Jamie H.

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