Hi. I'm Dawn

[RNYDawn 160]

I started off in the Sleeve forum but after days of research, I believe RNY is better for me since I have GERD.

Hi all, I'm Dawn and just turned 40. I have been over 230 pounds since 2002. That's the year I got married and moved to Texas (San Antonio) where Tex Mex food became my best friend. I have been every size and have tried every diet. I got down to my smallest adult size when I was 21 and went from a 12 to a 4 in 2 months because I was a nanny at the beach. I walked, rode my bike, swam, walked on the beach, played with the kids and ate light because I was so busy...and the weight melted off of me without even trying. Why can't it do that again!?

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2005 and have not been able to get it under control. I did lose about 35 lbs after I had my first child. I ran a half marathon, started yoga, and got down to my lowest weight (in a long time!) of 206. Then I got pregnant with my second and just let myself pile the weight back on. I've been at about 250 since 2013. Despite my weight woes, I stay active and go to boxing 3x a week, walk, and go to yoga when I can fit it in. I also do Beachbody Body Pump and other at-home workout dvds. It's the eating that is just not under control!

I went for a free seminar with a local surgeon in May but didn't continue after that visit. I meet with a different surgeon on Thursday for an actual consult and I am so freaking excited.

I have two little girls who are 4 1/2 and almost 2. My 4 year old has made innocent comments such as "is there a baby in your belly?" and "why is your tummy so big?" and I have had to fight to stay composed and not break down in front of her. I don't want her to think I am ashamed. I don't say the word fat around her and never want her to know that word...but the reality is that I am miserable and unhealthy and not a good example for my own daughters. The other night at bedtime, she called me a heifer/heffer. She has no idea what it means and I have no idea where she learned that word - but I started thinking "did one of her friends at daycare call me that?" I am doing this for ME but I do not want my children to suffer teasing or be embarrassed because they have a fat mom.

I work full time from home as a government contracts program manager. I work for a wonderful company that is flexible so now is the right time to get this started. I discussed with my husband and he fully supports me. He has loved me at every weight and I couldn't do it without his support!

Thank you all for sharing your stories and experiences so freely here. I hope to add to the knowledge and conversation as my journey moves forward. <3

[dhrguru 1,238]

Hi Dawn!

Welcome and congrats on your decision! My only guess...age. I did weight watchers after the birth of my youngest son... Seemed almost effortless. In 4 months I'd lost nearly 60#s. No matter what I did after the that I couldn't lose again.

You'll lose this time, for sure. Now you just need to find that motivation to get that active once again.

[The Candidate 3,215]

Welcome, Dawn! Don't feel alone with your past failed diet attempts. We've all been there and done that.

Congrats on considering weight loss surgery. You will find a lot of information and support here to help you along the way!

[James Marusek 5,244]

I had severe acid reflux (GERD) prior to surgery. That is why I went with RNY. I am 28 months post-op and acid reflux is a distant memory now. Good luck on your surgery.

PCOS can cause weight gain and make it difficult to lose weight. Maybe someone on this site can tell you their personal experience with PCOS pre surgery and how surgery affected them.

[Djmohr 6,965]

Hi Dawn & Welcome!

Obesity is a metabolic disease that fights against you losing and more importantly keeping the weight off. That is why when you lose a bunch you put that much back on and then some.

Believe me, it gets harder and harder to lose the older you get when you have this metabolic disease.

Congratulations on taking steps to get healthy both for yourself and your daughters. I wish I would have made this decision when I was 40, I might not have caused such damage to my spine and joints had I done so. I always say my only regret is not doing this much sooner!

I also just wanted to say, I ended up going the RNY route as well because I had severe Gerd and was on the max dose of meds for it. I have not had a single episode of Gerd or even basic heartburn since my surgery. They had me take a small dose of Nexium for about 30 days and I have been off that medication ever since.

I am one year post op and down 121lbs!

[RNYDawn 160]

My update!

I met with my surgeon today and he was so wonderful. We both decided on bypass based on my GERD.

My first nutrition seminar is next week as well as my sleep doctor consultation. My endoscopy is scheduled for the 22nd! I have a lot more to do (psych, ultrasound, blood work, EKG, referral letter from PCP, weight history, sleep study) and I'm going to start chipping away at making the appointments tomorrow!

I think I would be way more overwhelmed if I hadn't found this place and read about so many of your experiences. Thank you! And a big shout out to @ who has been so patient with my questions. <3

Edited October 1, 2015 by VirginiaDee

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

Dawn thank you for the shout out! That is so sweet. It has been a pleasure. I am glad you like the office and drs as much as I do! It helps we have the same insurance. I am over the moon excited for you!!!

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

Hi Dawn!

Welcome and congrats on your decision! My only guess...age. I did weight watchers after the birth of my youngest son... Seemed almost effortless. In 4 months I'd lost nearly 60#s. No matter what I did after the that I couldn't lose again.

You'll lose this time, for sure. Now you just need to find that motivation to get that active once again.

Not to jack the thread, but your new profile pic is amazing! Your face looks so slim!!!

[Anxious2beme 93]

@dgmohr - your stories and bits of advice are so positive and uplifting! I just love to see what you write. Congrats on 121#!! That is amazing! Please do share how you did it and at what level/timeframe from surgery. For those of us going into surgery soon, what should we expect as far as weight loss (knowing everyone can be different), but it's also frightening to read how many are not losing much. Any insight you can share and when we can start exercising, how much to expect to lose would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance ❤️

[dhrguru 1,238]

Hi Dawn!

Welcome and congrats on your decision! My only guess...age. I did weight watchers after the birth of my youngest son... Seemed almost effortless. In 4 months I'd lost nearly 60#s. No matter what I did after the that I couldn't lose again.

You'll lose this time, for sure. Now you just need to find that motivation to get that active once again.

Not to jack the thread, but your new profile pic is amazing! Your face looks so slim!!!

Thanks!! I actually couldn't believe that was me after taking the pic. I still want to lose 80ish pounds... I worry what my face will looks like then.

[RNYDawn 160]

I already feel like a kid on Christmas Eve! My first nutritional counseling session is tomorrow and it kicks off my 90 day program for BCBS FEP!

So far I have:

-gotten my weights for insurance submission

-scheduled PCP visit for blood work, urinalysis, and EKG

-scheduled endoscopy with surgeon

-inquired on psych eval but am using behavioral specialist at surgeon's office instead

-sleep doctor consult scheduled for this week

Remaining list:

-Ultrasound

-X-Ray

-Psych eval through surgeon's office

-Complete nutritional sessions

It's so much less overwhelming when I list it out and break it down!

[RNYDawn 160]

I met with the behavioral specialist and dietitian today and they were both so wonderful! I especially felt a connection with the behavioral specialist. She was kind and honest and supportive and just so amazing. I am so happy that @ talked about Bluepoint! My two additional classes will be online and they are already scheduled!

Based on my history and our consultation, I'll be satisfying the psych eval with Bluepoint and won't have to go see a psychologist 3 times! That is a huge relief!

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

So happy you are having a great experience! I liked her a lot too! She was so easy to talk to! Girl, you are gonna be having surgery in no time!

[RNYDawn 160]

Woohoo! more items checked off of my list!

Weights for insurance submission

Primary Care consult/establish PCP relationship

Blood work (11 vials!!)

Psych Eval

Urinalysis

EKG

Chest X-Ray

-Sleep consult - 11/5 (I had to cancel last week's because my 2 year old broke her ankle at daycare)

-Sleep study (TBD)

-Ultrasound - 10/21

-Endoscopy - 10/22

-Complete nutritional sessions (Nov/Dec scheduled!)

I'm trying to get as much done as I can before December because of the holidays and all the associated crazy schedules. It feels so good to check things off of my list.

[RNYDawn 160]

Weights for insurance submission

Primary Care consult/establish PCP relationship

Blood work (11 vials!!)

Psych Eval

Urinalysis

EKG

Chest X-Ray

-Sleep consult - 11/5 (I had to cancel last week's because my 2 year old broke her ankle at daycare)

-Sleep study (TBD)

-Ultrasound - 10/21

-Endoscopy - 10/22

-Complete nutritional sessions (Nov/Dec scheduled!)

My endoscopy was yesterday and my surgeon discovered a hiatal hernia which he said he can fix during surgery. My blood tested positive for h.pylori so he also did a biopsy to test for that - and then if that is positive we'll deal with treating that.

I have my sleep study consult coming up and the sleep study itself will be the biggest appointment I have left!