Back from 1 year appointment

Hello
I just got back from meeting Dr. Atlas for my one year check up.

He said he was happy with my progress and based on the numbers he has I have lost 54% of my excess weight. But that does not include the liquid diet and that is based on a goal weight of 145 lbs. Which he said is not realistic.

He also mentioned that most people witha VSG loose about 65% of the excess weight in 12 to 18 months.

And that because I had a high BMI of over 50 there's a 30% chance I might need a bypass or something else. But so far so good.

I have to go for an x-ray "repas baryte" which I think is the barium x-ray. I mentioned to him I was eating more than before and that I feel hungry so he wants to make sure it didn't stretch and that the size was good to begin with. Also since I started having some heart burn again they will check if I have an ulcer.

And I got in trouble for not having more follow ups... didn't know I should. He wants more data. So he wants to have my weight sent to him every 4-6 weeks on their internet site. Any one else do that?

That was pretty much it.

Cindy

Hi Cindy|

Your doc is happy with your progress, so you're doing good!
Did Dr Atlas what would be a nore realistic goal weight?
More frequent follow-ups could be beneficial to maintain motivation, keep up the good work Cindy!

Thanks Joel. Yes having to send him some stats will keep me more accountable and motivated I think.
No he didn't say what a good goal was. He never mentioned one really. He only talks about percentages. Like loosing at least 65% of excess weight.

Hi Cindy,

Sounds like you'll get some answers soon with the tests etc.  That probably a relief.  Dr. Atlas is also going to be my surgeon, and my BMI is over 50, so I often wondered what the criteria was for possibly moving on to a bypass if the sleeve didn't provide adequate results.   So are you just supposed to email his office with updates on your weight loss now?  When is your next follow up appointment with Dr. Atlas?

Thanks for sharing this information, its so helpful having this kind of info on the follow up!

Elena

Hi Elena,

Dr. Atlas did mention that only about 30% of over 50 BMI need the bypass. So that means 70% don't :)

Yes I'm supposed to send it by the internet address for the clinic.
My next follow up is in Sept. to see if I have an ulcer and to check the size of my stomach.

If you have any questions don't be shy.

Cindy

Yes I E-mail my results to Dr. Atlas a 2 weeks.  He likes to keep up with the progress and see how I am doing. Doris QC.

Hi Cindy,

So glad to hear that Dr. Altas is satisfied. I am sure that you are relieved to hear that.

I just realize that using the 65% average, I already lost most than the 65% in 9 months... interesting. I was not even aware (or didn`t remember) this percentage.

In regard to the update on a regular basis to him... THANKS for the reminder. He had mentionned that at my 6 month check up and I completely forget.. I just sent message to him with my progress.

Take care, have a great week-end

Nathalie

I"m so glad to hear about the follow-up and that we're not just dumped after the surgery!