dallasmom4

Dr. Nicholson at Forest Park Sept 6. A bit nervous.

How are you doing?

Thanks for your thoughts. I really appreciate reading what everyone has experienced. I'm set to go September 6th.

How did it go?

I have the same issues with a lower BMI. But, at 5'4" and 197lbs I am not happy with my health (have several co-morbidities) or my looks. I posted recently on VST and got great support and information but I am still curious about the recovery process for low BMI surgery. I am a private pay patient and my dr is in Dallas. He is a "center of excellence" physician at a COE facility so I feel comfortable about my decision. Also, my internist is completely supporting my decision. I have been a patient of his for 30+ years and his support was a big factor in my decison...he's very conservative. I've gone back and forth about the fears and possibilities and know that I have done proper research and selected the best doctor I can find. I've learned that it's possible to find people to support almost any doubt I may have but I trust my medical experts so, at 62, I'm ready to go on September 6. I hope to hear all about the recovery process from other lower BMI's as we go forward. Thanks so much for sharing.

My surgery is scheduled for September 6th. Thanks for the good thoughts.

I hope all is well. How are you feeling? Are you experiencing anything you weren't expecting? Would love to hear about the recovery process.

I hope all is well. How are you feeling? Are you experiencing anything you weren't expecting? Would love to hear about the recovery process.

Your comment did not offfend me, Rosaline. But it does prove that this is one of those topics that causes people to rush to judgement ...she's too thin, why did they wait so long, why are they not having weight loss surgery. My 50lbs weighs the same as anyone's elses. Would you tell someone to stop losing weight when they were still 50lbs overweight after losing 250lbs or even 150lbs? It's all relative. Actually, on the health side it's similar (but not as drastic) to having elective mastectomies if you have all the breast cancer markers and you've done as much as you can non-surgically. On the cosmetic side it's certainly not as drastic as a face lift, tummy tuck, arm lift, full body liposuction, or any number of surgeries folks opt for everyday after significant weight loss. My goal is to collect as much helpful information as I can from those of you who are going through this and combine it with the advice of my doctors to make informed decisions during the process. Hopefully, I will avoid feeling too shamed along the way. Anyway, I do appreciate the information and encouragement regarding my original question. Thanks everyone.

I'll be at Forest Park Surgical Center, as well, with Dr. Nick Nicholson. I just turned 62 and I laughed after I read my own post last night and my description of myself as "middle aged". That means I'll live to be about 124! I'm seriously not too concerned about cosmetic issues right now...as I said, things are already "relaxing"! At any rate, I got the thumbs up this morning from my internist of 30 years. I weighed 197 and I'm 5'4" tall. I had pulmonary clots about 8 years ago and he has been opposed to any and all elective surgery I have ever mentioned so this is a HUGE relief for me. I don't feel as apprehensive knowing how conservative he has always been. He has many patients who have used Dr Nicholson and he said he supports my decision. He will be monitoring me as I go off Warfarin and use Lovenox injections then back on the Warfarin after surgery. Thanks for the wonderful feedback. It really helps.

Thanks for your feedback. I'll keep my fingers crossed...it is what it is. I'm looking forward to getting off meds and feeling ENERGY again. PS>>the girls were already headed due south!

Hi, there. I am scheduled for a private pay sleeve in a few weeks in Dallas. I am middle aged and approximately 50 lbs overweight with a BMI of 34. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and acid reflux so I am in great shape. The fact that my weight is carried around my middle almost guarantees that I will develop diabetes if I don't do something. Even with all of these medical issues I, like many, am very nervous about the whole surgery thing. You know, the old "what if " syndrome...what if I develop clots, what if I get an infection, and the latest thanks to morning television...what if I catch fire on the table? The fact that I will almost certainly be able to resolve my medical issues will be the big reward so I just have to keep reminding myself that I have an excellent surgeon, a great facility and Faith. Although the doctor has done a great job of explaining possible side effects and surgical issues I would love to hear from "the real experts" about what to expect regarding the cosmetic issues I will face when losing 50 pounds. Thanks for any information you can provide!

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr Nicholson in Dallas in a few weeks. He has an excellent reputation and the fact that he is the head of Bariatric Medicine at Baylor Medical Center (downtown and Plano) means a lot to me.