Hello Everyone!
My name is Julie and I'm a DS pre-op. Surgery is scheduled for October 7th with Dr. Fernando Bonanni at Abington Hospital in Pennsylvania. In addition to a virgin DS, I'm having my gall bladder and appendix removed and a hernia repaired. Due to several previous abdominal surgeries and lots of scar tissue, I'm prepared for an open procedure if that helps him see what he needs to see and do what he needs to do to give me the best DS for me!
My story is not too different from many of yours - diet after diet, childbirth, PCOS/endometriosis, steroids/hormones, medications, surgeries, gained/lost/gained hundreds of pounds several times - finally destroyed my metabolism. I can lose 10 pounds if I eat literally nothing but meat and lettuce for a month, but it comes right back if I add anything else.
I vigorously resisted WLS for many years - Why break a perfectly functioning system? - right? Finally dawned on me that maybe it wasn't functioning perfectly for me and maybe there was something to be done about it. I'm currently at a BMI of 55 (5' 4", 322 pounds). Highest weight ~360; lowest adult weight ~160 in the late 90's (age 54 now). Would like to get to a normal BMI which for me would be under 145. It didn't take too much research to conclude that the only way I have a shot at this is with a DS. So here I am...
I've read every post in every forum, every study and paper I can get my hands on, watched all the DS youTube videos, and attended the last three support groups at the hospital. All of my pre-op requirements have been completed, including insurance approval, except for the pre-op class/quiz on the 21st. I've bought the vitamins recommended by Vitalady and already have them in the monthly vitamin sorter! I bought dozens of different protein powder samples and a water bottle and baby spoon, even a bidet toilet seat and poo pourri (Amazon loves me!). Today I'm making homemade bone broth to freeze in 1 oz silicone baby food trays! I'm taking extra vitamins, drinking lots of water, walking and using the incentive spirometer I have from my last surgery. (Yeah, yeah, I know, a bit over the top
I've told everyone I intend to tell and filed my disability paperwork. Now focusing on tying up work stuff so that they can manage without me for 6 weeks and preparing my environment and support system. A bit anxious (who, me?) but also excited to begin this journey and see where it takes me.
I'm grateful to all of you for your expertise and honesty in sharing your journeys and for the support and encouragement you have for all. You've certainly educated me, sometimes scared me, but mostly inspired me to post here (my first ever forum post) and to join your community.
Julie
My name is Julie and I'm a DS pre-op. Surgery is scheduled for October 7th with Dr. Fernando Bonanni at Abington Hospital in Pennsylvania. In addition to a virgin DS, I'm having my gall bladder and appendix removed and a hernia repaired. Due to several previous abdominal surgeries and lots of scar tissue, I'm prepared for an open procedure if that helps him see what he needs to see and do what he needs to do to give me the best DS for me!
My story is not too different from many of yours - diet after diet, childbirth, PCOS/endometriosis, steroids/hormones, medications, surgeries, gained/lost/gained hundreds of pounds several times - finally destroyed my metabolism. I can lose 10 pounds if I eat literally nothing but meat and lettuce for a month, but it comes right back if I add anything else.
I vigorously resisted WLS for many years - Why break a perfectly functioning system? - right? Finally dawned on me that maybe it wasn't functioning perfectly for me and maybe there was something to be done about it. I'm currently at a BMI of 55 (5' 4", 322 pounds). Highest weight ~360; lowest adult weight ~160 in the late 90's (age 54 now). Would like to get to a normal BMI which for me would be under 145. It didn't take too much research to conclude that the only way I have a shot at this is with a DS. So here I am...
I've read every post in every forum, every study and paper I can get my hands on, watched all the DS youTube videos, and attended the last three support groups at the hospital. All of my pre-op requirements have been completed, including insurance approval, except for the pre-op class/quiz on the 21st. I've bought the vitamins recommended by Vitalady and already have them in the monthly vitamin sorter! I bought dozens of different protein powder samples and a water bottle and baby spoon, even a bidet toilet seat and poo pourri (Amazon loves me!). Today I'm making homemade bone broth to freeze in 1 oz silicone baby food trays! I'm taking extra vitamins, drinking lots of water, walking and using the incentive spirometer I have from my last surgery. (Yeah, yeah, I know, a bit over the top
I've told everyone I intend to tell and filed my disability paperwork. Now focusing on tying up work stuff so that they can manage without me for 6 weeks and preparing my environment and support system. A bit anxious (who, me?) but also excited to begin this journey and see where it takes me.I'm grateful to all of you for your expertise and honesty in sharing your journeys and for the support and encouragement you have for all. You've certainly educated me, sometimes scared me, but mostly inspired me to post here (my first ever forum post) and to join your community.
Julie
