John337

It seems as though you really need to hit rock bottom before you can make life changing decisions. This is obviously one of them. I started out in January weighing 337 and feeling lousy both physically and mentally. I made the decision to get help and beat the beast within that allows me to overeat.

What's really upsetting is the fact that my wife is so supportive and is a weight watcher graduate ( lost 65 lbs 6 yrs ago), cooks well balanced meals and I STILL over eat at home and at work. I have been fustrated for years but January 2009 really, really got to me. I am ready for a heart attack and would really like to see future grand children graduate college. Keep this up and there's no way that will happen.

So the journey begins .................

I went to NYU and attended a seminar with Dr. Fielding as the speaker. What really impressed me about him was the fact that he is not only the surgeon but a patient as well. He wa banded 9 years ago and looks great.

Aetna makes you jump through hoops to get approved but that's ok. I realize that this is a life changing event and must be taken seriously. I'm on the 3 month pre-surgical regime. I see the psychologist, nutritionist, personal trainer and primary every month for 3 months. The last appts are coming up in two weeks.

I have my surgery date of 5/11/09 and due to gallstones, my gallbladder will be removed as well. If all goes well, I start my liquid diet ( two weeks) on 4/27/09 and go for pre-op testing 4/30/09. Surgery on 5/11/09 went well. No real issues. Was able to go for fills almost every two or three weeks. Have had 5 adjustments and am in the zone.

To me, the hardest part is going to be to take small bits and eat slowly. Well, here we are, August 17th 2009 and I've lost 89 lbs, eight pant sizes, XXL  to L shirts and feel great. 25 lbs to go. It's Oct. 20th, 2009 and I weigh 227. I want to stop as I feel I'mat goal. Need to discuss further with the Doc. The NP pulled out .3cc to allow me to eat more. For two weeks now, I'm hoding @ 227. Feel great........Working out at the gym 3-4x per week cardio and weights.I have a port revision scheduled for 10/26/09 as the port is sticking out  and I'm bumping into it causing pain. Should be a simple procedure, 20 min in the OR.The port revision went well. Minor pain for a few days and all is good. Down to 223 and am at goal. Dr. Fielding wants me to get to 220 but agreed to 223 as I felt I lost enough muscle mass which was a concern. At the gym 3-4 days per week. Cardio and weights...Feel great. The band was loosened by 1 cc and I'm able to maintain my weight..........FEEL GREATllllllllllll