This is what I will be having. Let me start from the beginning. I am 46 year old female. I am 5'8" and my weight...well, when I get more comfortable with myself, I will reveal that. Suffice it to say, I am what is called, "Morbidly Obese." Although that doesn't bring music to my ears, I am what I am. When I found out thru my family medicine physician, Mbue, that I was diabetic, she asked if I had ever considered the Gastric sleeve. I explained to her that I had never heard of this, but would be willing to learn about it. That was the catalyst-that is what got that ball rolling. My doctor submitted a referral to General Surgery/the Bariatric clinic at Wilford Hall, at Lackland, AFB.
Step one was to go to the first briefing. At this briefing, they spelled out all the procedures that Wilford Hall does, along with the benefits and the possible complications that come with each procedure. They offer 1 Lapband 2 Gastric Sleeve & lastly 3. Gastric Bypass. It was a basic overview. It was enough for those attending to be able to make an educated decision as to what they were leaning towards. It was at that time that I found out that I was not a good candidate for the sleeve because I have a diagnosed case of acid reflux. The program will not allow you to have this procedure if you have been treated and are currently taking meds for reflux. It will make your reflux a lot worse. That was a bit of a disappointment, as I thought the sleeve would be a better route. So, now it looks like Bypass is the way to go.
Step 2 was to attend a 4 hr briefing on Gastric Bypass. This is where you will learn everything you need to know about Gastric Bypass, but were afraid to ask. There was a quick discussion as to the papers that we needed to sign & initial, and then a Nutritionist came to speak to us. She was very open with us and was very blunt as to what we are going to have to look forward to. She didn't candy coat anything. On the contrary...she was very clear. We were then visited by the Sleep Lab. They explained their purpose, and afterwards scheduled all those that needed to get this study. I set up my appointment with them, and then waited until I could go up to the Director of the program (Nikki) to give her my paperwork. It was then discussed that we would be needing some referrals from her, and that they wouldn't be availble for scheduling for about a wk. Step 2 done-onward to step 3.
Step 3 I had my Psych. test. I went to the office, she asked a few questions. She also shared with me that she had the surgery back in November of last year and has lost 110 lbs. She offed to assist if I had any questions for her. I think through conversation, she knew I meant business, and wasn'[t wishy washy about this procedure. I spoke with her for about an hour. She also encouraged the group meetings that are held once a month. She said that if Arturo had any reservations, that he should ask the questions here. There would be plenty of people answering his questions.
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