3 months post-op, Salt Lake City - Dr. Volckmann

[wildwest 9]

This Friday will be exactly 3 months since my surgery. View my profile to read my story leading up to surgery.

Results have been really good. Before meeting Dr. Volckmann, I weighed around 340 pounds. Through the pre-op diet, I lost about 19 pounds. The morning of the surgery I weighed 321 pounds. I am proud to say that 3 days shy of the 3 month mark, that I now weigh 270 pounds. I will get a Bod Pod assessment this Friday so I can finally have an accurate number to aim towards as my end goal.

I wish that I took body measurements, because that is where the real story is. Before surgery, I was wearing size 3xl and some 4xl shirts. I am now comfortably wearing size 2xl shirts. Before surgery, I was wearing size 44 pants that had adjustable waist bands. I am now comfortably wearing size 40 pants and thinking that size 38 is just around the corner.

Medically, my latest A1C number (taken about 4 weeks ago) is 5.4. My blood sugar is hovering around 100-105. My cholesterol looks good and I am going to ask for permission to go off simvastatin. I am on my last high blood pressure medication and I am hoping to drop that in the next month or so.

I follow my post-op diet rigorously. In fact, I may be a little too strict. I see the results and that keeps me motivated. I work out every morning and night. That includes attending cross fit. I haven't been healthier in the past 20 years.

My work has greatly improved. I am in a job where I have to think on my feet. My confidence has skyrocketed. In fact, I recently ran into a woman that I went to high school with over 20 years ago. Age has been very gentle to her beauty. I took a gamble and asked her out. We have been dating ever since that day. She cannot believe my weight loss, but has been very supportive of my workout and eating manners/schedule.

A couple of pieces. From my original story, I talked about going to the surgery alone. I strongly advise against that. Take a friend or family member. That was a mistake on my part. It appears that all of my insurance details have finally been taken care of. My out of pocket is $5K plus a lot of travel and hotels (Dr. Volckmann is a 5 hour drive from where I live).

Bottom line. I am happy to have had the surgery and I consider myself lucky in finding Dr. Volckmann and his terrific staff for this journey.

[caroline2 89]

What a fantastic story! Very inspirational. Keep up the good work. Congratulations!

[rhw94123 115]

I had heard of Dr. V. It's wonderful that you're so in touch with your gratitude on all this!