Pat_Hallam
8 years out and still losing
Feb 05, 2010
JUNE 2010 My weight is now 111lbs.
Earlier Profile
Nov 17, 2006
I hated being morbidly obese but I hated my co-morbid conditions even more.
Diabetes was killing me and traveling (a favorite past time with my hubby) was a trial and a challenge. I had high blood pressure that barely responded to three medications, blood sugars were high even on 2 types of meds, IBS kept me rest room dependent and often home bound, foot and joint pain in my knees and hips limited my mobility so that I could barely walk or stand for any period of time and my perspective on my quality of life generally stunk. My weight was a hinderance to mobility and positive self esteem regarding appearance but my health issues were the motivating factors in seeking out surgery.
My weight loss seems to have leveled off between 80 to 90% of excess weight gone and I seem to go up and down about 5 lbs. But I can walk, stand, bend and travel. The diabetes is gone, I take NO MEDS for diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol, and my IBS problems are a thing of the past. Does the thought of weight regain disturb me? Yes but I try to keep a positive outlook on my improved health. It's so easy when I feel so good to forget to remember how awful I felt and how difficult life was for me pre-op.
I have supplement issues, elevated PTH and low calcium levels but we're watching this and taking extra supplements. the low zinc has improved and I generally feel better than I have in years. My restored self esteem makes me comfortable to be socially interactive again and I enjoy my new life.
SEPT. 17, 2003 I have reached my goal weight of 125 pounds and for my height that is the high end of normal.
AUGUST 7th 2003 I am officially DIABETES FREE. My HA1C came back 5.4 with no meds for the past 3 months. All my co-modbidies are resolved or improving. At 10 months out I have lost 80 pounds and I feel like a new person.
Not being recognized is a mixed blessing. Some folks ignore me, some don't but those who ask about the change make me feel good.
May 27, 2003 .....It is almost 8 months since I had my surgery. Weight loss has slowed down but I am still losing inches (see chart)........I am so happy I had this surgery. I had a rough recovery but would do it again if I had to. +++++++ I will wait for further weight loss before I even consider PS (plastic surgery)++++++ I started out wearing a size 3X and now I am wearing size 12/14 clothing. Thank goodness for thrift shops. +++++ That abdomen is a stuborn site of excess fat.
1/26/02 - I am 57 years old and after almost 2 years of research and reflection I have decided that the best plan for me in regards to weight loss is to have Bariatric Surgery.
I was interested in the Duodenal Switch but the RNY is a good 2nd choice.
1/29/02 - I went to my first support group last night and I am really eager for this surgery.
8/7/02 - I waited 4 months for my first consult with a surgeon who performed LAP RNY. After I got Insurance approval he suddenly decided to stop doing Bariatric Surgery.
On 8/1/02 I consulted with new surgeon, Dr. Hoddinott. He offered to do the DS Surgery so now I am waiting for reapproval from the Insurance company to do this procedure. This is a delay I will gladly wait for.
...
I was originally scheduled for a LAP RNY and would have had it if the DS had not been made available.
...
"The RNY is a great operation. It is the one performed by the greatest number of surgeons, and I would not hesitate to undergo it if the DS were not available to me.
The Duodenal Switch procedure is essentially a newer, more advanced version of the RNY. DS surgeons are still few and far between.
The biggest advantage of the DS is that you keep an honest-to-goodness stomach, [which is usually 150-200cc is size (as opposed to the 15-30cc pouch of the RNY)]. The pyloric valve remains intact and functioning just the way God intended it. The pyloric valve is a sphincter muscle that opens and closes to regulate the release of stomach contents into the digestive tract. The retention of the pyloric valve eliminates the dumping syndrome that is experienced by many RNY patients. The DS patient’s stomach can also "churn" food like it is supposed to. DS patients do not have problems with bleeding ulcers or blocked "anastamosis." They are also less likely than RNY patients to vomit unexpectedly.
The bypass portion of the operation is essentially the same as a regular RNY - the top part of one side of the "Y" brings the food down, but has been disconnected from the pancreatic juice and bile. The other top half of the "Y" brings down only that pancreatic juice and bile. The food and digestive juices mix only in the bottom part of the "Y," which results in a greatly abbreviated digestion time."
.....
These are some of the reasons complete with abstract documentation why I have chosen the DS procedure.
I want the superior quality of life offered with the BPD/DS. The BPD/DS's partial sleeve gastrectomy leaves the pyloric valve intact with normal functionality of the stomach. There is not the dumping syndrome with the BPD/DS that is associated with the RNY because of this.
Stoma blockages occur frequently with the RNY This is not a concern with the BPD/DS. People who have had the RNY must chew their food to mush in order to help prevent the stoma blockages. Additionally, RNY patients lose their sense of satiety while BPD/DS patients do not. They maintain the sense of normal satiety with the natural regulation of the rate of movement of the food through the stomach.
RNY patients suffer from narrowing of the anastomosis requiring endoscopic dilation. BPD/DS patients do not. In general, the BPD/DS offers a higher quality of life due to the preservation of normal eating habits, no stoma complications, and no significant dumping syndrome. (Sapala 1998, Baltasar 2001, Hess 1998, Sanyal 1992, Mitchell 2001)
An additional problem with the RNY that is not present with the BPD/DS is ulcers. 12-16% of the RNY patients develop ulcers. The BPD/DS has almost no incidence of ulcers because of the maintenance of the pylorus. (Wolfel 1996, MacLean 1997, Sapala 1998, Hess 1998)
I want to see my co-morbidies [adult onset Diabetes with High Blood Pressure] cured and to experience the long term weight loss offered by the BPD/DS that is not assured with the RNY. To lose and regain with additional weight over and over again is demoralizing. Over 30% of patients with RNY will regain a significant amount of their weight loss beginning at the end of their third year. Their initial excess weight loss may have been as much as 70 percent during the window of opportunity for weight loss, considered to be 12-24 months post surgery. However, the excess weight loss decreases to 50-60 percent at four to six years, and then 47-49% at 10-15 years. Revisions from RNY to BPD/DS are necessary 29% of the time. (Oh 1997, Reinhold 1994, Smith 1995, Mitchell 2001, Wolfel 1996, Pories 1995, Sapala 2001, Brolin 2000)
In contrast the BPD/DS is documented to have the highest initial weight loss, the most predictable weight loss, and the best percentage of weight loss maintained past 5 years. The initial excess weight loss for the DS in that 24 month window of opportunity is 75-80 percent and after four years it is 73-81.2 percent. Over five years the loss is 75-81.4%. As you can see from the math, the average RNY patient will still be overweight by 45-60 pounds while the average DS patient will only be 25-35 pounds over weight. By these statistics alone, I am much more willing to tolerate the DS results than those of the RNY. (Ren 2000, Leary 1992, Fox 1996, Deitel 1999, Balsiger 2000, Baltasar 2001, Hess 1998)
AUGUST 23, 2002
I had my 2nd pre-surgery consult today. Because my approval for surgery was for the RNY procedure I must now wait for re-approval of the BPD/DS procedure.
My surgery date has been moved to October 1st from Sept. 3rd. I am praying that BCBS gives the okay soon.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2002
BCBS of NE PA has deemed this surgery to be investigational and has denied my initial request. Surgical dates have been cancelled and now I am entering the appeals process.
I have great faith in my surgeons skill and I hope he is able to see this denial reversed.
Feeling somewhat bummed out right now.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2002
Seems BCBS of NE PA got their wires crossed. I have actually been approved for the DS surgery since 8/16 but the Insurance Company sent the information to the wrong doctor.
Karen from Dr. H's office called today and surgery is back on for the 1st of Oct. HURRAY!!!
This has been a merry go round of a ride. I am cautiously enthusiastic but until this surgery is a done deal who knows what could happen in the meantime.
My website link is a research paper showing why I believe the DS surgery is the "best" surgery available.
September 29, 2002 - For additional information regarding my decision to have this surgery you can read my first profile at:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=H1002329485&NoStatic=1
October 26, 2002
I am now 25 days post op. It has been a long haul and I am still not feeling up to snuff.
Great surgeon, great hospital and I was glad to get home.
FEBRUARY 7, 2003
4 Months Post-op and I am seeing the results of this surgery in both improved blood sugar levels and inches lost as well as the weight reduction and smaller clothing sizes....................
March 1, 2003
Update: My diabetes is resolving and I am anxious to report that is gone just as soon as I am off all meds for it.
My eyes have improved and I will be adding thinner lenses to wear on my thinner body.
I am down 60 pounds and am swimming in most of my clothes.
I just updated my photo record.
I took the advice of those who suggested taking before and after measurements and I will post my chart here to show the results so far..............................................
Measurements
Pre-Op......10/01/02......02/03/03.......03/01/03........5/27/03........08/25/03.........9/17/03
Weight........209..............159..............149.................139...........129...............125
Head..........22 ½............21 ½.....................NO CHANGE
Neck..........14 ½............13 ½...........12 ½...................................12
Midrif..........42...............39..............37................33 1/2...........33
Bust............47...............42..............40................37/38.............NO CHANGE
Waist...........46...............41..............39 ...............32 1/2.............32
Hips............52...............46..............45................39..............38
Upper Arm
Left.........16 ½.........12...............................11
Right........16...........13
Wrist
Left.......................6 ½.........NO CHANGE
Right......................6 1/4
Thigh
Left.........23...........18 ½.............................17
Right........24...........18
Above Knee
Left.........18...........15................................14
Right........18...........15
Calf
Left.........16...........13 ½..............................13
Right........16...........14
Ankle L&R....10............8 ½
...........................8
Foot L&R......9............8 ½
[at arch]
April 22, 2003
UPDATE: Seems I have developed an Incisional hernia that will need to be repaired some time down the road. For now I will focus on losing more weight and getting more exercise in the form of walking. Lifting and moving things are not an option at this time.
Pat in PA
Age: 59
http://www.duodenalswitch.com/patients/Pat/pat.html
Height 5'
Weight day before surgery 209
Current weight 144
Goal weight 125
Motivation for surgery was a cure for co morbidties and relief from joint pain with improved mobility.
Open BPD/DS w/ apendectomy 10/1/02 -65 lbs
Dr. Kevin M. Hoddinott , Bethlehem, PA 18015
St. Luke's Hospital<
http://members.aol.com/BETHSURCEN
+++++ We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give.+++++
+++++ God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage +++++
+++++ If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.+++++
2002 Pre op through 2006 - 4 Years Post op
Nov 16, 2006
Pre op Photo 2002 and 209 pounds.
Photo taken May 1st 2006. At goal - 125 - holding new grandbaby Brielyn.
November 17, 2006- I just added a group of pictures taken over the past few years since I reached my goal weight. I saw my surgeon yesterday for my 4 year anniversary check up and we are very pleased with how things are going. A little weight gain and a few post op issues but my life is wonderfully improved since this surgery.
May 19th 2006 - I had my incisional hernia repaired 6 weeks ago and am very glad I finally had it done. My weight fluctuates between 125 and 128 sometimes getting a little lower but I am a happy camper. At 62 years of age I am glad to be a size 10/12 and be done with all the co-morbid conditions I once had.
The surgery affected my PTH and Calcium and Vitamin D levels. I am seeing an Endocrinologist who is up to date on these issues. I cannot take any of the new Osteoporosis Meds but with prescription Vitamin D my PTH levels have returned to normal
I have been given a second chance to live a normal healthy life and since the birth of my first grandbaby on May 1st what a joy it will be watching her grow up. Not to mention that I will be able to get down on the floor and play with her when the time comes.
2002 - Ever since 1986 when I had Thyroid surgery I have been unable to lose weight in any significant amount or keep it off. Over the past 15 years I have gained a total of 70 pounds. About 40 of those pounds piled on after I quit smoking in 1998.
I have a lifetime history of gaining and losing. Always gaining more back each time. I maxed out at 208 last year but was able to shed the 8 lbs by switching my Diabetes Medication. Now I'm gradually climbing the charts again.
I have developed 3 co-morbid conditions during this time Type II Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Elevated Cholesterol. Those conditions, joint and knee pains plus a life long history of allergic asthma and a BMI of 40+ makes me desire the surgical approach to weight loss and improved health.
July 29, 2002 - I had a regular check up with my PCP today. My blood tests were not good and and my blood pressure was up. I have 3 days to go until my consult with the surgeon and my anxiety level is also up. I'm so afraid he'll find a reason not to do the surgery.
My PCP's nurse lost about 60 lbs in the past year following a low carb, no sugar or white flour diet and is so gung ho about it that I felt overwhelmed by her. She had an extremely negative reaction to my proposed Bariatric Surgery fortunately my doctor is supportive of my decision. I guess my encounter with this "crusading" nurse was a test of my resolve and decision making.
August 1, 2002 HOORAY I had a great visit with my surgeon and if all goes smoothly I will be having surgery on Tuesday, September 3, 2002 the day after Labot Day. That date was changed to October 1st due to insurance issues.
But the best news of all is I will be having the Duodenal Switch
rather than RNY. DS had been my first choice.
The RNY is a great operation. It is the one performed by the greatest number of surgeons, and I would not hesitate to undergo it if the DS were not available to me.
The Duodenal Switch procedure is essentially a newer, more advanced version of the RNY. DS surgeons are still few and far between.
The biggest advantage of the DS is that you keep an honest-to-goodness stomach, [which is usually 150-200cc is size (as opposed to the 15-30cc pouch of the RNY)]. The pyloric valve remains intact and functioning just the way God intended it. The pyloric valve is a sphincter muscle that opens and closes to regulate the release of stomach contents into the digestive tract. The retention of the pyloric valve eliminates the dumping syndrome that is experienced by many RNY patients. The DS patient’s stomach can also "churn" food like it is supposed to. DS patients do not have problems with bleeding ulcers or blocked "anastamosis." They are also less likely than RNY patients to vomit unexpectedly.
The bypass portion of the operation is essentially the same as a regular RNY - the top part of one side of the "Y" brings the food down, but has been disconnected from the pancreatic juice and bile. The other top half of the "Y" brings down only that pancreatic juice and bile. They food and digestive juices mix only in the bottom part of the "Y," which results in a greatly abbreviated digestion time.
September 29 1002 - Only 2 days to go until my surgery. I am a little nervous but otherwise eager and anxious to have this procedure.
