Beginning my journey

Feb 15, 2014

I never truly considered or believed in bariatric surgery until a close conservative friend that I haven't seen in three years had a sleeve done without me knowing.  In December, I went to reconnect with her on Facebook and did not recognize her due to her extreme weight loss.  When I asked her about it, she said she had a bariatric sleeve performed two years, something I had never heard of before.  Since then I have been glued to google and came across this site that has been a God's sent.

My real journey first began with a bariatric surgery seminar with Our Lady of Lourdes hospital on January 3, 2014.  I immediately fell in love with Dr. Salcone and his coordinator Dana. On January 7th I went to another seminar with Cooper Hospital's bariatric specialists.  Although I really enjoyed that seminar as well, something brought me back to the first doctor.  After some research I learned that he had a partner, Dr. Profetta, so I made an appointment with her for January 17, 2014.  After meeting with her, I knew I was in good hands with this team. That day, they gave me a honeydew list of all of the things I had to do before surgery: sleep apnea test, blood work, psychiatrist visit, pulmonologist clearance, 3 visits with a nutritionist, and a cardiologist clearance. I was able to get through all of the requirements quicker because I had been going to all of these specialist since September due to my worsening health so it quickened the process slightly. I also had a endoscopy in September so I did not have to repeat one prior to surgery.  I also went to several support group meetings during the time that I fulfilled all of the requirements which I found to be very helpful. I'm looking forward to continue going and making lasting friendships. I had my final Pre-op appointment with Dr. Salcone on February 10th and I was able to schedule a surgery date with him for March 3rd 2014. Starting February 17th, I have to begin a two week liquid diet that I'm dreading more than the surgery itself. I understand the importance of it so I will do my ultimate best somehow.  My heaviest recorded weight since the journey began is 283 pounds on January 17th, but on February 10th I was down to 278 from severely reducing my carbohydrate intake in preparation for the liquid diet.

I have struggled with weight my entire life. When I graduated high school I began gaining weight and never made it back under 195 pounds but I exercised constantly. Up until I was 40 years old, my weight was controlled but recently I have been out of control and gave up on everything.  I am 5'6" and don't know what this journey can actually bring me down but I am hoping to get down to 170ish.

Stay tuned...

0 Comments