New Venture

I have embarked on a new venture this week.  I started to research weight loss surgery.  I have been researching the duodenal switch surgery.  I have never considered it before because I thought the aftermath was a bit much to contend with. 

The doudenal switch surgery is different from RNY or gastric bypass.  Carnie Wilson and Al Roker had the RNY type surgery.  DS patients tend to lose more weight and keep it off longer than other WLS surgery patients. 

I sent a completed questionnaire to the doctor in my area who does this kind of surgery.  It is complicated and only about 3 dozen surgeons do it.  It is also expensive and only sometimes covered by insurance.  I have taken a baby step towards this venture.  It is not a done deal.

With my questionnaire, I did my diet history.  It is pretty revolting.  Fat all my freaking life.  I am adding here for your perusal. 

1968- Born

1968-1974 Normal sized little girl- maybe a touch chubby

1974- My parents get divorced

1974-1981 Always bigger than other girls lots of teasing.  Poor body image. 

1981- First official diet.  It was a low calorie eating plan with lots of vitamins to take.  I went from 130 lbs to 115 lbs in the 8^th grade

1982-1986- Very mature, developed body for my age. Up to about 155 lbs upon graduating from High School

1986-1990 – Tried Weight Watchers 2 times with only 10 lb loss each time.  Graduated College at 185lbs.

Summer of 1992- Did Optifast Liquid diet plan under medical supervision.  214 lb. start to 155.  Lost 40 pounds on the fast and another 20 in Maintenance.  The weight started to return immediately upon finishing maintenance.   

Spring 1993- Weight creeping up after the fast, decided to do Jenny Craig.  Weight is in 180’s.  This only lasts about a month.

October 1993-  Weight is back up to 211lbs a week before my wedding.  Vastly restricted eating resulted in weight being 200lbs on my wedding day.

Spring 1994- Exercising, but weight is up to 224 lbs.

June 1994- Start first profession job and move to our first house in 1 month’s time.  Gain 30 lbs that month.  255 lbs range.

1995- Join Gym for 3 years- go sporadically.

Spring 1996- hire personal trainer at gym.  Go 3-4 times per week, but only lose 3-5 lbs. to 249 lbs.

August, 1996- get pregnant with first son after 4 months of clomid for annovulatory cycles.    I am 280 lbs when I deliver him by c-section. He is 8 lbs., 6 oz.

May, 1998- Down below 240 lbs due to increased metabolism from breast feeding.  As soon as my son weans, the pounds pack on. 

1999

1999- Try Arbonne Vitality weight loss shakes for several months- lose no pounds.

Nov, 1999- Conceive second son at 260 pounds after 8 months of clomid therapy. 

July-Aug., 2000 Put on bed rest for increased blood pressure.  Deliver him by natural childbirth while weighing 280 lbs.  He is 9 lbs, 1 oz.

2001

May 2001- Down to 256 from breast feeding again.  Once baby starts taking solids, metabolism decreases and weight comes back.

Aug., 2001- Start Michael Thurmond’s 6-week body makeover.  In 6 weeks, I lose 30 pounds eating 6 mini meals of protein a day with only complex carbs and no sugar or flour products. 

2002

Jan, 2002- Start Dr. Atkins diet plan, lose about 15 pounds in a month. 

2003

Fall, 2003- Try to do 6 week body makeover again for a few weeks.  I lose about 15-20 pounds; put it all back on over holidays

2004

Jan, 2004- Start Atkins again.  Find out I am 6 weeks pregnant.  I stop dieting.  I am very sick all the time, so I eat to combat the nausea.

March, 2004-Find out our baby has died.  D & C on March 2, 2004.  Weight is 280 lbs.

April-May 2004- after a 70 day annovulatory cycle, start clomid again June. Diagnosed with PCOS by Ob-Gyn. 

June 2004- put on Metformin to regulate cycles, control cravings, and to try to halt weight gain.  Went from 1000 mg/ day to 2000mg/day XR by January, 2000.

2005

Jan, 2005- Trying again with high protein, complex carbs no sugar.  Lose from 280 to 265.4. Stop clomid.  Feb., 2005- Gain 5 lbs back.  Give up trying to conceive.

March, 2005- Lose 5lbs again. Knees hurt from standing for any length of time.

If you want to know more about this kind of surgery, check out www.duodenalswitch.com.  I will keep you posted.

Comments

[syd]

Good luck with you research. Go read, http://www.skinnydaily.com// today jane posted about post-op therapy (and it relates to all stages I think). I hope you are doing well!

[syd]

And so... how's it going?

[Dana]

HI. I found your blog while surfing for weight loss sites. Your life sounds so similar to mine. When I graduated college I was in my 180's, married, had two kids and am now at 260 something. I just started my own weight loss blog yesterday. Come by and maybe we can motivate each other. Good luck on your surgery!