I have struggled with weight issues since college, and I remember wearing “husky” jeans when I was a kid. But my mom would always tell me it was OK and not to worry about the kids who were wearing slim-fit jeans. At my heaviest, I reached 260 to 270 pounds, but at the time I didn’t realize how much it affected me emotionally, although I did realize the strain it was putting on my back, joints, and feet. Looking back, I now realize the lack of confidence and low self-esteem I was experiencing. We may appear happy on the outside; however, on the inside you are not the person you can be and second-guess yourself many times over.
I have tried everything from Weight Watchers to fad diets to working out in order to lose weight. Working out consistently worked the best for me. The key is to continue working out and eating healthy. You can’t work out and not eat right expecting to lose weight. If you don’t stay committed to these things, then all else fails.
Almost 2 years ago, I started considering bariatric surgery. I was initially interested in the Lap-Band, but after attending the bariatric surgery information seminar at UT Southwestern I switched to the gastric sleeve. The seminar provided sound, factual information for me to make an educated decision about my course of treatment and surgical decision.
My surgeon, Daniel Scott, M.D., along with Anna Smith, P.A., guided me easily through the 3-month preparation process. They were always helpful and there to answer any questions I had. The entire bariatric team at the University Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center, including the dietitians, has been amazing through the entire process. There have been no surprises. The key is doing what they tell you to do and exercising four to five times per week.
Currently, I have lost 80 pounds in 6 months and feel amazing. It has created a new life for me and re-energized me in many areas of my life. I have surpassed the goals I set for myself and look forward to continued success. I attribute my success to myself and to the bariatric team. They have given me a gift and a tool to work with, and I plan to continue taking advantage of this gift and tool.
I want to recommend this procedure to others who are considering it. My advice is to make sure this is what you want to do; you must have the right mindset, and be committed to making a lifelong change to a healthier life. It has made a tremendous impact on me, my attitude, and my health.
