Before & After Revision from Lap-Band to RNY with Erin
January 31, 2017I started gaining weight after college. It did not become a real issue until after I had my son. Every time I stepped on the scale, the number just kept getting higher and higher. I had diabetes and I was only able to control by taking insulin four times a day.
I had a young son. I needed to be healthy to take care of him. I wanted to be an active part of his life. I also did not want to continue taking insulin shots four times a day.
Before & After Revision from Lap-Band to RNY
OH Username: Erin W
Total Weight Loss: 165 pounds
Surgery Types and Dates: Lap-Band in 3/8/2006; Gastric Bypass RNY in 1/13/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Valeriu Andrei
I started seeing an ad every week for a new type of laparoscopic weight loss procedure. I finally got up the nerve to call the number. I went to a seminar run by Dr. Valeriu Andrei. I couldn’t see him right away because my insurance was not covering weight loss surgery. I was able to change insurances and by February of 2006 I had my first appointment with Dr. Andrei. On March 8, 2006, I had lap band surgery. It was a very quick and painless procedure. I lost 150 pounds with the band and was able to control my sugar with pills, diet, and exercise.
After seven years and a couple of problems, the lap band had to be removed. I was very upset. All I could think about was gaining the weight back. I could not let that happen!
Dr. Andrei assured me I was not alone. He and his staff would provide me with all the help and support I needed. He was true to his word. He made me check in every month.
I did not gain a lot of weight without the band, but my sugar levels started to rise. When my endocrinologist started talking about possibly adding insulin in addition to my pills, it was devastating. I had worked so hard to keep the weight off. Dr. Andrei felt the same way. Together we would not let that happen. We were able to get gastric bypass approved for medical reasons.
January 13, 2014, I had gastric bypass surgery. I lost the few pounds I gained without the band and even a couple more. I now keep my weight around 145, and just take pills for my diabetes. My total weight loss is 165 pounds.
Special Milestones and Non-Scale Victories
My non-scale victories include:
- Zip-lining in the rainforest
- Parasailing in Hawaii
- Finishing 5k races
- Training for a half marathon
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