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Surgeon: Dr.John Husted, Nashville, TN
Surgery date: May 10, 2002
Pre-op weight/BMI: 568/95
Current weight/BMI: 393/65 (as of May 10, 2003)

Latest update: May 10, 2003

By Rissa:

My Story:
02-06-03: Where to begin, where to begin! As the old story goes, very over weight all of my life. Yes, I too was the fattest in my family, fattest kid in the class, fattest on every job, fattest everywhere I went………..and so on and so on!! I could sit and describe all I have been through and how terrible life has been and how I too felt like a prisoner for years because of my obesity. I feel like this is all I ever do, so I decided to share all the good things in my life. These things I want to leave in the past, although still very painful if I let myself dwell on them to long. I am a very positive person. I want to share with the world what the good Lord has done for me. I have been healed. I have had a "MIRACLE" take place in my life. I hope what I have to tell you will both Bless and lift to up.

First let me begin by saying that I am married to the most wonderful man of 15 years. He (Brent) has giving me so much support in my WLS journey, I want to thank him for always being there for me. I love him deep!! What a guy I have!!

My WLS journey began in January 2001. I started researching Gastric Bypass and knew from the very beginning I too would be living again very soon because of this wonderful thing taking place in so many people’s lives. I was in a grocery store one night and saw Carnie Wilson on the cover of a magazine. Something inside me just knew this was for me. I started on www.spotlighthealth.com, which led me to www.obesityhelp.com. What wonderful web sites these are. I started gathering all information I could possibly find. Before I knew it I was so hooked, WLS was all I could think about. It totally took over my life. I contacted as many people in my area as I could find and was given the name of one of the most wonderful men God ever created. Dr.John Husted in Nashville,TN. I called him up, made an appointment and was off to Nashville. I saw Dr. Husted in October 2001, where I attended one of his seminars. He talked of a new surgery procedure he was now doing, Bilopancreatic Diversion/Duodenal Switch. This was the procedure my husband and I were sold on right from the start. I wanted to live as normal as possible after surgery. BPD/DS sounded like it would give me a very normal future.

So, I turned in everything to my insurance company and there was where my world came crashing down around me. I had already been writing letters to my insurance company and trying to convince them that this was my only hope for survival. After I saw the Dr. in October that is when I got down to business. After receiving denial letter, one right after another I was at my wit’s end. I will never forget the day I got that last absolutely no, positively no way, stop bugging us letter. I cried until I knew I would just burst.

I called my family and friends and told them of the horrible news. Needless to say they were not ready to give up and neither was I. That very night "The Rissa Fund" was born. My family, friends and I came together and set out on a quest that has changed my life forever. After calling the Dr. and getting estimates of the BPD/DS cost, we set out to raise the needed funds to get my surgery paid for. $30,000.00 was the goal and with only 3 months to raise it. I booked a surgery date, May 10, 2002. Not knowing how, when, or where the funds would come from, we stepped out on "FAITH" and began what I now know will be one of the most precious things that could ever happen to a human being.

In 3 months I saw family, friends and strangers, "Rissa's Angels", come together to help out a very desperate woman in need. By May 9, 2002, we did not raise $30,000.00. Through Faith and a lot of powerful prayers, we raised $35,000.00. Isn't that awesome? God is so good!!

May 10, 2002, I had WLS (BPD/DS)!! I had absolutely no complications!! I spent 6 nights and 7 days at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, TN. I had family and friends and the prayers of God's people all the way! I remember asking God if he had a work for me to do and if there were people out there that was going to need me, let me wake up. If he was finished with me, let me go on to heaven, I was ready if he needed me. Needless to say, After I woke up, I knew God had a plan for me. I had a great work to do. Since the day I woke up, I have been sharing my incredible story, motivating others and helping those in need of some encouraging words. I know this is my mission in life. Few people in the world ever find their true calling. I pray my journey will always inspire others to never give up on God. He may not come as soon as you call him, but he always comes on time!!

Since May, I have begun writing a book of my struggles with obesity. I want to share all the hurt, pain, and now my success. I am hoping to have it finished by May 2004. Although not very educated, I feel God is helping me put into words what I know will come to help others know there is hope. If it can happen for me, it can happen for anyone!!!

As I write this profile, it has been 9 months since my WLS. I have lost a total of 151 pounds and 95 inches. WOW!! I started out at 568lbs. and am now at 417lbs. My BMI was 95 and now, 69!! I work out 5 to 6 days a week and am enjoying life!! Although still very obese, I am already a success!! Tell me there is no God and I will prove you wrong!!

I will drop in from time to time and let you know how it is going. If you ever need to talk, get fired up or just have a WLS friend, feel free to e-mail me anytime. My new found passion is sharing my story!! Please keep me in your continuous prayers. I have a long way to go but can't wait for the journey!!

Keeping the Faith,
Rissa

May 10, 2003
Happy 1 Year Anniversary to me, Happy 1 Year Anniversary to me!!!! What a difference a Year makes. Lets compare, shall we:

May 10, 2002: 568lbs.
May 10, 2003: 393lbs.

May 10, 2002: BMI - 95
May 10, 2003: BMI - 65.

105 inches gone bye bye!! This is a total of 175lbs. lost in only 1 year. Not bragging, just stating the facts!! LOL

May 10, 2002: I was in a wheel chair
May 9 & 10, 2003: walked in a charity relay. I walked 2 1/2 miles.

May 10, 2002: Doctors said I have 5 years to live (maybe).
May 10, 2003: Very alive and couldn't kill me if you tried!! LOL

May 10, 2002: Couldn't walk from living room to bathroom without gasping for air.
May 10, 2003: Working out at the gym 5 days a week, 3 to 4 hours a day, walking 45 minutes on the treadmill and riding a bike for 20 miles, lifting weights and getting buff I might add!! LOL

This past week I mowed our yard, how about that? This past week I started a support group and had a great turnout. Can't wait until next month. I could ramble on for at least 10 more pages, but I don't want to lose you!! LOL

This WLS has been a miracle!! If you are visiting my story for the first time and you cannot make the decision to have WLS or not, GO FOR IT BABY!!! If you are visiting for the umpteenth time, welcome back to my wonderful life!!! I would love to hear from you guys. Please drop me an e-mail and let me know what is going on in your life.

Oh yes, I forgot to put in my size of clothing.

May 10, 2002: 6x
May 10, 2003: 3x.

I am so skinny bound!! Yeahhhhhhh me!!!

Keeping the Faith & never losing sight of a wonderful future,
Rissa

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