Transitions

In 2005, I had insurance that would cover weight loss surgery for the first time. It wasn’t until 2017 that I had surgery. In the intervening twelve years, my heart has enlarged, my kidneys have been damaged, and my veins will never recover. I have signed up for future knee, hip, and ankle replacement surgery by dilly-dallying. Could I have skipped some of this with surgery twelve years ago? Perhaps.

The first time I met with the doctor that would become my surgeon, he said “this can be the difference between seeing your grandkids being born and seeing them graduate college.” Good salesman.

I am two months out from surgery and I have lost half of the weight between me and my goal. I’m down to a 36″ waist – day of surgery, 44″. I’ve lost about 60 pounds – a pound a day. As of a few days ago, I am no longer obese, I am overweight (BMI <=30).

If you are obese, and have struggled to lose weight, get surgery. Stop messing around and get it. I got the most conservative surgery – the duodenal switch – which has the highest expected weight loss. There are three surgeons on the west coast worth using; I am fortunate that one of them practices in the Seattle area.

Don’t half step. This type of surgery is covered once in your life by US insurers. Take care of yourself.

I must give thanks to my sister Rayne, who was able to set aside her life on no notice and stay with me for about a week around the surgery date. I couldn’t have done it without her support. My family and friends have been mostly supportive, which I appreciate.

If you have any questions, get in touch.