Hey everybody, dr. Garth here. Hope you enjoyed the first show. I have gotten so many questions from all of you. I will try and get a live chat time for everybody and will try to set up a chat with some of the patients you se in the show.
There will be shows with lap band patients and many more stories like tonight, although every patient's story is different. I hope people will learn that obesity is a disease and a struggle, and that surgery is not the easy way out.
We had a viewing party tonight and the patients were there. Penelope was a bright shade of red, she was embarresed, but I thought she did great and you should see her now, she looks even more fantastic.
Hope you guys enjoy, it is a pleasure to be able to do this surgery and help change lives. It is our pleasure to be able to help.
Dr. Davis, LOVED THE SHOW! I have my own weight battles, but seeing the stories of others, I feel especially blessed and ready to take on my on battle BEFORE I get to that point.
I couldn't handle a few of the bloody scenes, and normally blood doesn't bother me. But it's good that you show it all. To give people a chance to see what is really involved.
I loved the banter between you and your father. You seem to be a very genuine and caring physician. The world needs more like you.
I guess you have every fat person from near and far wanting you to sponsor his or her surgery and I am not any different. My motives are a little different I can’t breathe and I can’t get a job… I will graduate with a BS this winter and no one wants to hire a fatty… I know I have lived in both worlds… I raised 4 children on my own working two to three jobs to stay off of welfare… After I got two out of the house I started school to better educate myself so I wouldn’t have to work so hard… Now the time has come FINALLY and I am 300lbs I won’t be able to do the job I finally am trained for…. I don’t know if you understand what pain there is in being over weight I have tried every diet known to man kind…. and can not exercise because I can’t breath and my knees and back are bad…. My insurance doesn’t cover this surgery they consider it to be cosmetic… Cosmetic what a crock that is because they don’t suffer with not being able to wipe their own butts…. Or bend down or hold a grandchild on their laps that is covered by a layer of stomach… Cosmetic… Help me!!!! I need to work I don’t want to die… My doctor suggested water aerobics I can’t breath in the chlorine water it kills me… so what is my solution right now I have breathing problems and high triglycerides but my mother died from kidney failure due to diabetes… My father died from heart problems …My thoughts are this if I can get the surgery and lose some of the weight then I will breath easier and my knees and back won’t hurt as bad I will be able to be active again… I already eat low fat foods and have changed my way of thinking about food I do need to give up the Diet Pepsi but that is the last of it… Your help would not be wasted on someone that would eat his or her selves back to 300lbs… I thank you for your time and hope with all hope you find it in your hearts to help me... Dee
This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,
Dr Davis or Little "D", I did enjoy the show. I watch a lot of shows about WLS. Infact I am in the middle of qualifying for WLS. I had to have lots of bloodwork, a cardiolite stress test, a psych test, clearance from my PCP and Endocrinologist and a Nutriionalist. After 42 years, I am tired of being on 12 meds a day and having no energy. I started this journey over 2 years ago by researching options and the pursuit of the surgery about 7 months ago, My insurance requires a 6 month weight loss plan and I am at month 6 in June. I am so glad to be able to have a tool to use to get to a healthier me. I just want to be healthy not skinny. I don't think I ever will be skinny BUT I can be healthy. I now know that 343 pounds is not healthy at least not for me at 5ft 6 inches. Right now I am at 314. Done by walking and watching what I eat but I eat what I want but I make way better choices. My surgeon wanted me to lose 10-15 pounds before surgery, I am aiming at 300 pound mark by surgery date which should be early to mid July. And I know that I am lucky my insurance does pay for it even if you have to go through a "program" to get it. And one more thing that I want to add for anyone reading this, I am happy being me but I am not healthy. It took me a long time to realize they are not the same thing. God Bless you and father and the work you two are doing. And I live in houston and looked at your program at Methodist when I was researching. Lynn
This message has been edited. Last edited by: diabeticlynn,
Dr, I am very much enjoying this show. I am saving it to watch with other people on my DVR. I had gastric bypass surgery April 13th 2007 and have lost a little over 80 pounds total. This is of course with the 30 pounds I took off before the surgery. I am so glad this show is on the air.
Hey Doc Garth! I loved the show. I am in the process of making a decision about the RNY surgery and this show really helped. I did relate to Penelope because I weigh about the same and fell the way she did about her weight. I to never felt fat or obese because my whole family is that way. Also I have the same issues as Allen...his mother always wanting him to eat. I was a premmie baby and my mom and family thought me eating was me being healthy. I wish I would have been told about you when I lived in Houston. I just recently moved to Indiana. Although..I have many friends down there..maybe I could recover with them! Keep up the good work! Janene
Dr. First thanx for being a positive influence for us pre and post op WLS patients. If I can offer a suggestion or 3. Can you show more about the entire process, the show makes it look so easy and we all know its not but the general public have no idea how difficult it is to get approved.Not to mention the PCPs out there that are dead set against it, the 6 months of dietion andf nutrition classes. Also You need to point out the BAD things as well, Penelope drinking at 6 mos out? thats not good idea and it looked like a carbonated drink at that, even worse.
If you could cover the addiction tranfer issues and pre and post op diets the hoops people have to jump through and lastly even though you don't offer all procedures maybe you could cover the different options available.
You have a very unique opportunity to change the attitude of not only the non believers but maybe even the insurance companies( I know a pipe dream).Alot of WLS patients get no support for whatever reason and your show can go a long way to help people out.
personally I am still pre-op but have been researching WLS since last April. I just a couple of months ago decided which procedure is best FOR ME. Now the fight start with the insurance company and finding a quaified and trusted surgeon.
Thanx again Doc, I am sure the show will help alot of people sstruggling with the decisions on WLS.
Hi Dr Davis Great Show Loved it ,,Like to see more what process is before surgy ,,,like classes that needed to taken etc.. I am 3 months out off having Vertcial Sleeve done (down 50 pounds)was schuled to have RNY but My Dr told me there would was apossiblity VSG could be done due to my BMI and how i carry most of weight stomach area. Had it done at UCLC by Dr Merhan love him and his staff!!! Frances
Originally posted by goingmobile: Dr. First thanx for being a positive influence for us pre and post op WLS patients. If I can offer a suggestion or 3. Can you show more about the entire process, the show makes it look so easy and we all know its not but the general public have no idea how difficult it is to get approved.Not to mention the PCPs out there that are dead set against it, the 6 months of dietion andf nutrition classes. Also You need to point out the BAD things as well, Penelope drinking at 6 mos out? thats not good idea and it looked like a carbonated drink at that, even worse.
If you could cover the addiction tranfer issues and pre and post op diets the hoops people have to jump through and lastly even though you don't offer all procedures maybe you could cover the different options available.
You have a very unique opportunity to change the attitude of not only the non believers but maybe even the insurance companies( I know a pipe dream).Alot of WLS patients get no support for whatever reason and your show can go a long way to help people out.
personally I am still pre-op but have been researching WLS since last April. I just a couple of months ago decided which procedure is best FOR ME. Now the fight start with the insurance company and finding a quaified and trusted surgeon.
Thanx again Doc, I am sure the show will help alot of people sstruggling with the decisions on WLS.
I was wondering the same thing about the alcohol. you have some really good questions--- if you have yahoo messenger please contact me @ heylookitsangie
I liked the show. It's nice that there's some hope out there for people that really need it.
I have to admit though that I got really sad and maybe a bit jealous watching Lauren emerge with her new body. I've been overweight for a long time, since 8th grade, but I'm no where near overweight enough to qualify for surgery. It's a constant struggle everyday for me to "attempt" to reach a decent, healthy weight and I guess I almost feel like I can't get there because all the tools aren't available to me. I don't know if that makes sense at all. I just keep working (currently recovering from a major ankle reconstruction 13 weeks ago, but trying to spend 2-3 hours a day exercising) and never getting anywhere. Just wish it could be a bit easier I guess... I'd love to be able to wear a bikini sometime, but it's not in the cards.
Would definitely be nice to see some diet/exercise tips to maintain a healthier weight on the show. It would be helpful for people looking at the surgery and for those of us who need it, but don't qualify.
Originally posted by garthdavis: Hey everybody, dr. Garth here. Hope you enjoyed the first show. I have gotten so many questions from all of you. I will try and get a live chat time for everybody and will try to set up a chat with some of the patients you se in the show.
There will be shows with lap band patients and many more stories like tonight, although every patient's story is different. I hope people will learn that obesity is a disease and a struggle, and that surgery is not the easy way out.
We had a viewing party tonight and the patients were there. Penelope was a bright shade of red, she was embarresed, but I thought she did great and you should see her now, she looks even more fantastic.
Hope you guys enjoy, it is a pleasure to be able to do this surgery and help change lives. It is our pleasure to be able to help.
I think this show is great! Wether people are for or against this type of surgery, shows like this will do wonders to increase awareness about this disease. I have been seriously trying to qualify for this procedure for over 2 years. Like alot of people, I have gained and lost more weight over the years than I can remember. At one point about 9 years ago, I weighed in at a hospital and read the digital readout and freaked. I still remember the number 411#'s. I was prescribed a liquid protien diet etc., I excercised, ate about nothing, and lost over 100#'s, I got down to around 280#'s over the course of a year and a half or so. I have since gained it back and then some. And my biggest fear is NOT going on a diet and attempting to excercise (at my weight very difficult), BUT, losing the weight AGAIN and gaining MORE back. I'm not sure I would survive that kind of disapointment, much less more weight than I carry now. I weigh in at close to 500#'s and after over a year of Doctor supervised diet (required by insurance), my claim was still denied because I was "too healthy". I have Sleep Apnea and Chronic Venous Insufficiency, but no Diabetis or high blood pressure, so they wouldn't approve the surgery. This was in Arizona, I have since moved and no longer have insurance of any kind. Anyway, as I was saying, I think increasing the awareness about this disease is very important. We don't all sit around and eat all day long. Best wishes for this show and the folks involved, and to the people reading this forum. Guy Nix Email- Guy@GuyNix.com http://www.guynix.com http://www.myspace.com/guynix
This message has been edited. Last edited by: guyoutwest,
I caught the show tonight on a whim. I don't get to watch much television, and it just caught my attention while channel surfing. I'll definitely be watching the rest of the season. I thought the first episode was wonderful and cannot wait to see more.
I would love to be an advisor. I have GB 8/2001 and have maintained a 155 lb loss. My journey is one that I believe would be extremely helpful in helping everyone who has or is thinking of having the surgery get to an maintain their desired weight. Please contact me personally.
quote:
Originally posted by garthdavis: Hey everybody, dr. Garth here. Hope you enjoyed the first show. I have gotten so many questions from all of you. I will try and get a live chat time for everybody and will try to set up a chat with some of the patients you se in the show.
There will be shows with lap band patients and many more stories like tonight, although every patient's story is different. I hope people will learn that obesity is a disease and a struggle, and that surgery is not the easy way out.
We had a viewing party tonight and the patients were there. Penelope was a bright shade of red, she was embarresed, but I thought she did great and you should see her now, she looks even more fantastic.
Hope you guys enjoy, it is a pleasure to be able to do this surgery and help change lives. It is our pleasure to be able to help.
I enjoyed the show very much, i was impressed with the understanding and compassion shown to the patients, it seemed to me that the Dr's genuinely cared about the people and their feelings, as well as their problems. I have long dreamed of having the surgery but i think that my problem is that i have an addictive personality, i need to somehow get that in control first. But anyway, the show is great and i feel that it will be a big hit, no pun intended.
I missed the show last night but some members of the lap band board I am on were talking about it today so I came here to check it out and lo and behold, it's GARTH!!!!
Hi Garth, Faith Duede here (from UM Trauma-the rather rotund redhead spitfire?), I remember you saying you were going home to Texas to go into practice with your father, but never recall you mentioning what type of practice. Now I know. How very exciting! I will try to catch the show from now on, but I still work nights (NICU now) so I'll probably have to TiVo it.
I do have a question, will there be any focus over this 13 episodes on LapBand patients? I am planning to be banded on June 20th (I got even more rotund) and would love to see something about banding as well.
Thanks for responding to these posts, feel free to drop me a line (with all that extra time you have ).
I hope you liked the show. I never realized how WEIRD it would be to actually see yourself on TV and re-live those moments. I have ablsolutely NO regrets.....
This is an amazing show with amazing doctors dedicated to helping people. I am so thankful I was a part of this wonderful process.
You had an awesome opportunity...and from what I saw yesterday, you absolutely blew it.
I understand why people enjoyed your show, if I had been pre-op, I probably would have, but I am six months out and have learned so much. Your show was edited in such a way that it was all about the ladies having surgery to look good. No one talked about being able to walk up stairs, or breathing normally or any of the health benefits that come from losing extra weight.
You used the word tool only one time in the entire show. That is what the surgery is, a tool. It is not a magic surgery and these people don't have brain surgery...while I get that you disagree with your therapist, (I wasn't a big fan of her either because she focused on sex after surgery a little too much for my taste) she is right on the money when she said that Allen will "botch" this up if he cannot get his head around what he needs to do. I wish him all the best and hugs to him.
Congratulations to Penelope and Lauren for their courage and their success, but as another viewer pointed out, Penelope was shown in the show to be partying rather than being healthy about her behaviors. I am sure that she is very on point with them, but it isn't helpful for people who are pre-op to see post op people not being completely compliant.
I hope the show gets more informative as opposed to dramatic. Everyone has seen someone huge be lifted into an ambluance. This wasn't helpful to anyone. What would have been helpful was more discussion on the pre-op testing you had to do for him, so that people could see that it will really be ok.
I really enjoyed the show. I particularly appreciate, Dr. Garth your emphasis on the genetic aspect of the disease. I respect your dedication to help even the most difficult cases like Allans.
I am very glad that I watched the show last night. I have been thinking about having the weight loss sugery for over two years now. Finally I am on my way to having it! I am having the surgery in Atlanta GA. All I have left to do is meet with the psychcologist and have a stress test done then I will be able to schedule my surgery. Watching the show helped with being so nervous and also was comforting to know that there are others out there like me!
While I think you are correct that there was no real focus on the health related concerns (apart from Allen, that is), or just the ability to do normal daily activities with ease, I think bringing to light some of the other concerns does not equate to a blown opportunity. Let's face it, looking good and feeling better about yourself is equally important at times. I, for one, appreciated the idea that someone mentioned the fact that sexuality is affected as well as esteem and health.
quote:
Originally posted by amarain824: Dear Doc,
You had an awesome opportunity...and from what I saw yesterday, you absolutely blew it.
I understand why people enjoyed your show, if I had been pre-op, I probably would have, but I am six months out and have learned so much. Your show was edited in such a way that it was all about the ladies having surgery to look good. No one talked about being able to walk up stairs, or breathing normally or any of the health benefits that come from losing extra weight.
You used the word tool only one time in the entire show. That is what the surgery is, a tool. It is not a magic surgery and these people don't have brain surgery...while I get that you disagree with your therapist, (I wasn't a big fan of her either because she focused on sex after surgery a little too much for my taste) she is right on the money when she said that Allen will "botch" this up if he cannot get his head around what he needs to do. I wish him all the best and hugs to him.
Congratulations to Penelope and Lauren for their courage and their success, but as another viewer pointed out, Penelope was shown in the show to be partying rather than being healthy about her behaviors. I am sure that she is very on point with them, but it isn't helpful for people who are pre-op to see post op people not being completely compliant.
I hope the show gets more informative as opposed to dramatic. Everyone has seen someone huge be lifted into an ambluance. This wasn't helpful to anyone. What would have been helpful was more discussion on the pre-op testing you had to do for him, so that people could see that it will really be ok.
Good Show! Cringed a little bit during the bypass when blood starting spewing everywhere but the end result gave me a better perception as to what exactly has been re arranged.
HI Dr. Davis, Great show. I will be wathing for the enxt episode. I was channel surfing flying back from the east coast and found the show. I work in bariatric surgery and I had baritric surgery in 2002. I have maintained a 190 lb. weight loss. I have told my co workers about the show.
I may have been a little overzealous in saying it was a blown opportunity. After reading a lot more posts, I get that it was very helpful for people.
I appreciated the therapists insight, but not to the point that would be the only reason for surgery. She seemed to make it all about that.
Also, I agree that looking good and feeling better about yourself is very important. But even with the Gastric bypass, you gotta move. You can't expect it to happen automatically. Even though in the beginning, you lose without much effort, when you hit that first plataeu, it is a scary place. Being able to move, keeps you losing.
I think my issue, more than anything was that there was no realistic explanation of what you have to do post operatively to be successful. It was just like, yipee, your approved, lets get you on a table.
I think it's a good show and that it will help people see what it's like, but, if it is really the learning channel, there should be some "learning" involved.
Originally posted by the_king_and_i: Good Show! Cringed a little bit during the bypass when blood starting spewing everywhere but the end result gave me a better perception as to what exactly has been re arranged.
Thanks!
Dear the_king_and_i, I have a very dear friend whose name is Cathy and we are trying to find where to apply for consideration to have this surgery done. Was your surgery done by tlc? I need information to help her, she is dying and the only hope she has, according to the doctors is surgery. But she has no medical insurance and she ahs done so much for others. She gives of her entire life to keeping the eldery in their homes and ahs only recieved wages enough to live on. She is a loving and caring woman that lives in Mason,Illinois and right now she needs help. Can you give me any advice for her? thank you so much! Carol Miller
Originally posted by garthdavis: Hey everybody, dr. Garth here. Hope you enjoyed the first show. I have gotten so many questions from all of you. I will try and get a live chat time for everybody and will try to set up a chat with some of the patients you se in the show.
There will be shows with lap band patients and many more stories like tonight, although every patient's story is different. I hope people will learn that obesity is a disease and a struggle, and that surgery is not the easy way out.
We had a viewing party tonight and the patients were there. Penelope was a bright shade of red, she was embarresed, but I thought she did great and you should see her now, she looks even more fantastic.
Hope you guys enjoy, it is a pleasure to be able to do this surgery and help change lives. It is our pleasure to be able to help.
Dear Dr.Davis, I personally have not seen your show yet but as soon as we get our cable hooked up your show is the first I will look for. My friend,Cathy Crain, is in desperate need of help! All her life she has struggled with weight loss and now she finds in her late forties that she is obese and the doctor has told her she will die soon if she does not lost the weight. She is exercising faithfully and does not eat sweets but food that is good for her. But still very little weight coms off. She has not insurance and for years has contracted herself out to care for the elderly in their homes. She is sol loving and lives all alone, she deserves this chance to help her live. Can you help her? Please we are running out of time for her! Thank you , A caring friend.
I am greatful that this show happened. I am going through the process of getting this surgery. I am half way there. Right now the only fear I have is, Will I know who I am when I have lost the weight? I have only known myself to be chubby or fat and have never seen myself skinny. I am afraid that I won't see the same person. I'm sure that inside I am going to be the same person but I wonder if that is something that we all go through. This show brought a rush of emotions because I have known what it is like to cling to that safety zone. Not wanting to go out because of people ridacules, and cruel comments. I have spent my life in fear that they don't see me, they don't like me, will I spend my life alone, and am I pretty?
Hey guys, Dr. Garth here again. Thanks for all the positive feedback. We were so worried about doing this show. They filmed so many hours and you are never sure what they are going to show. We stressed that we wanted to show the daily struggles and prejudice that people afflicted with obesity have to go through and we wanted to show obesity as a disease and to demonstrate that surgery can be a tool.
Remember this is 1 of 13 episodes. The rest will cover many other topics, insurance approval, preop requirements. Amarain posted a good message that this ain't all easy. There are many struggles and ghopefully future episodes will touch on all of them.
I am 12 weeks post-op. (Lap RNY-Gastric Bypass) This was the best decision I have ever made! Its not easy, I am learning so much about myself through this process. As Dr. Phil may say..."Im getting real with myself!"
I am excited to stay tuned and see your show transition. I hope to see more of ups and downs of the entire process.
Thank you Dr. Davis for fighting for all of us! I am sure we will never know each other personally, but know that you will always be a hero to me! You will save so many lives with this show, you will encourage those who suffer to reach out for help, you will motivate those of us who are pre and post-op that this is worth it and to keep taking care of ourselves, and you will educate those who continue to bury thier heads in the sand when it comes to obesity!
I think this will actually be the first time I say I am looking forward to Monday's!
Thank you for doing this show! I'm in the approval process for gastric banding here in MN so it's really helpful to have this inspiration and research time.
I do hope you'll also be showing some banding patients, as I would love to see more about people's experience (the focus does seem to hit more on bypasses in our culture right now).
Thanks again - I look forward to watching all the episodes!
I would really like to know the long term side effects of the surgery. I have researched weight loss surgery extensively and come across accounts from WLS patients who have developed a neurological disorder which I can't remember the name of, even though they were compliant with their supplements. I have also heard from many WLS patients who lost all their excess weight initially but then regained some of it after a few years. What about ulcers in the unused stomach? Strictures? How common are they? I would also have liked to see the patients immediately after their surgery and see exactly what they ate and how they felt; did they feel nauseous or throw up? Were there things they absolutely couldn't eat? Maybe these things will be addressed in future episodes.
To all of you, I am the psychotherpist on the show. I am really grateful that all of you are giving us insight into what you have been through. As Garth said, this is only the first show...there is more insight and stories to come. Remember it is TV. Garth and I really are friends and colleagues. We each have our own discipline and we take those seriously. I do focus on Intimacy and sexuality...it is so important for good health but it is not the ONLY component fo good health. I work with Intimacy/sexuality with chronic illness of all sorts. Keep me reminded of what is important emotionally for all of you...that is my only plea. thanks Mjo
Metrochick et. al...I agree with most everything you wrote. I can appreciate you are in the post-op phase. I am hoping there will be more on the shows to follow that can help you. We don't deal a lot with the post-op part of the surgery..which may be in another series. My office is full of patients going through that transition. I just encourage you to watch and keep writing. I like your insight...but I don't remember talking much about sex last night...I do think there will be more of that though because our population needs help with that. Thanks for the insights. Mjo Psychotherpist
Originally posted by penelope1974: Hey everyone! This is Penelope.
I hope you liked the show. I never realized how WEIRD it would be to actually see yourself on TV and re-live those moments. I have ablsolutely NO regrets.....
This is an amazing show with amazing doctors dedicated to helping people. I am so thankful I was a part of this wonderful process.
How long was the surgery for you? How much ave you lost? And how long did it take you to qualify for the surgery?
Dr Davis the show was great- I have post on here asking to be on the show- like so many others- my insurance company wont approve it because I havent had a "significant cardic event" .
I really loved the show and thanks so much for showing the world that Morbid Obsity is a disease.
You and your Dad are GREAT Together. I just loved that dynamic between you two.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,
I was thrilled with the quality of the show. As a patient in an upcoming episode, I wondered how the editing would go and how everyone would "come off". I was very pleased. To those concerned about the show getting to the idea that this surgery is no magic bullet, I imagine that will be covered in upcoming episodes...Garth definitely makes that very clear to each of us as we work on making the decision to have surgery. Exercise and eating right after surgery are critical points to success, and that cannot be over emphasized.
Garth is an AMAZING surgeon, not just for his technical skill, but also for the high quality of follow-up care and the caring way in which he treats us. We are not just "another patient", but rather people with names and faces...Garth is awesome!
As for Mary Jo, she is amazing as well. What is important to know about her is that she is also very caring and supportive, and she is very much "hands-on" in follow up care. She is sweet and she's a straight shooter...that is part of what makes her so great.
Thanks to TLC for getting this show on the air and to Garth and Big D for letting cameras follow them around to get it done!
Originally posted by penelope1974: Hey everyone! This is Penelope.
I hope you liked the show. I never realized how WEIRD it would be to actually see yourself on TV and re-live those moments. I have ablsolutely NO regrets.....
This is an amazing show with amazing doctors dedicated to helping people. I am so thankful I was a part of this wonderful process.
Penelope, Congratulations on your success! You look amazing and beautiful. May you be an inspiration to many including myself! Thanks for offering your words of wisdom on here and for graciously allowing Drs' Davis to share your story on TLC.
THE ONLY THING I WANNA SAY IN HERE IS THAT I THINK DR. GARTH DAVIS AN FATHER DR. ROBERT DAVIS ARE THE BOMB AND I COULD NOT HAVE ANYONE BETTER IN MY CORNER. I THANK YA'LL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!! YA'LL TAKECARE AND GOD BLESS YOU...
I had my Gastric bypass on December 18, 2006 after completing the LEARN program at the Center For Weight Loss Management at UTMB in Galveston. I am 6 ft tall and reached my highest weight of 455 lbs in June 2006. My pre-op weight in December 2006 was 438 lbs. As of May 29th, less than 6 months post-op, I am at 318.6 lbs and feeling wonderful. I had my surgery was paid for 100% with 80% paid by my insurance (BCBS of Texas) and my 20% deductible paid for by the Texas Rehabilitation Commission's DARS program after working and fighting with their department for over 3 years.
When I stared my journey to obtaining the surgery I had no insurance. Over the past 4 years while trying to get the surgery I was saving my money to pay for the surgery myself if needed or incase I was denide by the insurance company if I ever got insurance which I did.
Once I had insurance and was approved and know it would be paid for 100% I invested the money I had saved in rental property. Now my future is shining brite!!! I am lossing wieght and gaining finianal freedom with the income producing property I bought. It's a great feeling!!!
I have been over 300 lbs since 3rd grade but soon I will be below that weight. I no longer have to take diabetic, pain, or any type of meds except my gummy bear vitamin. I look forward to a long and healthy life. I highly recommend this surgery. To read about my whole story in detail I have a journal on www.obesityhelp.com and my member name is DJHenryD.
For those thinking about or just starting their journey to a healthier life I say Start TODAY!!! The sooner you get started, the sooner your life will be reborn as mine has been. It will not be easy but it will pay off in the end. Just don't give up!!! LIFE IS GOOD!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: djhenryd,
Hey Penelope, Great job on your weight loss! I am sure you are down much lower now. How do you feel? I was not surprised to hear you were single, that seems to happen alot to women who have weight loss surgery. Take care of yourself and keep doing well with this opportunity you have been given. Please keep posting and let everyone know how you are doing! Kristy in PA Lap Roux En Y 3/9/07 Down 50 lbs! www.myspace.com/kharper70 obesityhelp -- kharper70
quote:
Originally posted by penelope1974: Hey everyone! This is Penelope.
I hope you liked the show. I never realized how WEIRD it would be to actually see yourself on TV and re-live those moments. I have ablsolutely NO regrets.....
This is an amazing show with amazing doctors dedicated to helping people. I am so thankful I was a part of this wonderful process.
Someone mentioned being disappointed in the content and focus of the first show. I was disappointed, too, but not surprised. It's not the participants, even the doctors, who are in control of the finished product presented to the audience; it's the editors and the producers. The show's producers are going to go for what's sexy, what sells (or what they think will sell) to the public at large, and so that's why we saw so much time being spent on two young women who were exceptionally good-looking even before having surgery, and why there was what would otherwise have been a puzzlingly intense focus on post-op plastic surgery in the first episode of a 13-part series. Remember all the returns to Lauren's come-hither photo and of the one in her bikini? Not only were any number of potential patients thus given unrealistic expectations of what they'll look like after going through this two-surgery process (most of us will never look like that in a bikini, no matter how much plastic surgery we get), but the episode's focus also gives ammunition to all the scoffers who dismiss weight-loss surgery itself as "cosmetic." It isn't, and we who've been through it know it isn't, but it was easy to miss that point amidst all the glamour shots.
Dr. Garth, I know with the hundreds of surgeries you do every year you don't remember me, but 5 years ago this September you operated on me to remove my thyroid gland which, as you discovered on the operating table, was cancerous. Over the years I've told many people about what a fantastic surgeon you are, and more importantly, what caring individuals both you and your father are. Every time I was in your office I was always impressed with how you both treated patients with the utmost respect. When I saw the article in the Sunday Chronicle, I had to watch the show. It was amazing. I have no doubt that all the people you help realize how lucky they are to have found their way to you. Kathryn Fowler
Hi Dr Davis! What a surprise I got when Steve nudged me on Sunday night while I was fast asleep to ask me "Isn't that your Dr Davis?". Yep, it sure was. Congratulations! Like the member before me, you may not remember me, but you were a big help to me, helped me when everyone else just threw up their hands. I will never forget the kindness of you and your staff. I always knew you were destined to be famous! Famous for helping people. I did enjoy the 30 minutes of the show that I watched. Keep up the good work! I will be watching for future episodes. Kim McKinney
P.S. My husband did the fire alarm in the new hospital.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: kimmckinney,
Dr. Davis, I love the show and think it will be great to show people the real side of bypass surgery. I just hope the show has some episodes dealing with the tragic fact that MOST insurance companies will not pay for the surgery and therefore countless numbers of morbidly obese patients are unable to have the surgery. Please take the time to deal with this on the show so that maybe in the future something can be done to help those of us who qualify and want the surgery but cannot afford it. Thank you.
Wow, it is great to hear from my old patients, of course I remember you guys. And Allen and Penelope , thanks for posting, you guys are great, and brave to show everybody your stories. Lot of posts that are upset that the show doesn't have more about health problems and the problems with insurance, stick around that was only the first show. There will be a lot of plastics, but many people want to see the final product, and I think there is enough discussion about the disease of obesity and the struggles of being obese that the word should get out. There will also be great segments on what the psychological consequences are AFTER the bypass and the plastic surgery. Anyway, hope you enjoy. I haven't seen the future episodes so I will be watching along with you. You cannot imagine how strange it is to watch yourself on TV. Big D is such a natural on camera.
I SURE DO AGREE WITH YOU DR. GARTH DAVIS BIG D IS SURE A NATURAL ON CAMERA. I LOVE BIG D HE IS THE MAN ON TV. WELL I JUST WANNA TELL YOU DR. GARTH DAVIS THAT YOU ARE NOT BAD AT ALL EITHER. YOU ARE DOIN A GREAT JOB AND IM VERY PROUD OF HAVING YOU AS MY DOCTER. THERE NO ONE BETTER THAN YOU AND WHOEVER HAS THERE DOUBTS ABOUT THIS DOCTERS YA'LL CAN COME TO ME CAUSE I HAVE THERE BACKS NOW. THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE'S SUPPORT AND SWEET COMMENTS AND WISHES. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. THANK YOU ONE MORE TIME TO EVERYONE AND ALL THE STAFF THAT TOOK CARE OF ME. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
I thought your show was very interesting. I am in my 4th year of post wls. I am fortunate enough not to have had any complications and doing fine.
I do want to point out that even though we have wls it is still a big struggle to lose the weight and even keep the weight off. it is not the easy way out like some people think. yes the weight comes off rapidly (at points), but diet, exercise, and determination is the biggest parts.
this is a life altering decision, and your diet and lifestyle changes a lot. I have no regrets and would do it in heart beat again. I lost over 160lbs and am in great health. I had open gastric bypass, so my recovery was a little longer, but was well worth it.
Please keep inspiring people that there is life out there past their weight. I went through all the insurance nightmares and up hill down hill struggles to get here, but it is well worth it. to all of you who are thinking, trying, or in the process, don't give up. life is wonderful healthy.
Thank you for your kind remarks. Us breaking up was a complete shock to me. However, I am a firm believer that "if something is meant to be, it will be". So I am doing great and waiting for the next exciting chapter of my life. I have lost more weight since the show last filmed me. It's been 8 months (since surgery-2 since filming) and 120 pounds later. What's even crazier than that is losing 80 INCHES of fat. I cannot even imagine 80 INCHES OF FAT...but it is gone (Thank GOD). So too all who are trying to get the surgery, keep trying and stay positive. To those who have had the surgery and are in the beginning stages...it only gets better from here. It is very true that I feel like the day I had surgery my life started over. I wish you ALL the best!
quote:
Originally posted by kharper70: Hey Penelope, Great job on your weight loss! I am sure you are down much lower now. How do you feel? I was not surprised to hear you were single, that seems to happen alot to women who have weight loss surgery. Take care of yourself and keep doing well with this opportunity you have been given. Please keep posting and let everyone know how you are doing! Kristy in PA Lap Roux En Y 3/9/07 Down 50 lbs! www.myspace.com/kharper70 obesityhelp -- kharper70
quote:
Originally posted by penelope1974: Hey everyone! This is Penelope.
I hope you liked the show. I never realized how WEIRD it would be to actually see yourself on TV and re-live those moments. I have ablsolutely NO regrets.....
This is an amazing show with amazing doctors dedicated to helping people. I am so thankful I was a part of this wonderful process.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: penelope1974,
I need to apologize for jumping the gun, I think I was a annoyed at the editing more than anything else. I just don't want people to think it's easy as pie. I am 25 and had no co-morb (thank god) and I was just heavy (320). My surgeon, (who is AWESOME, anyone in ny can ask me for his info) and everyone were very confident that I would be fine, and I was.
My only issue was that I was in that .5% of people who have complications,I ended up with 5 strictures and 5 dialations. While they are very easy to fix, they are also very uncomfortable.
I knew that it was a possibility before I had surgery, but I never took it seriously and I was a little blown away when they did happen. So it goes to show, you can be completely healthy and still have issues afterwards. I am super awesome now. I just think it's important for people to see that complication conversation, because even though the rate is low, it still can happen.
Congrats to everyone for their courage to go after this, I promise it's worth it.
I did enjoy the show. I watch a lot of shows about WLS. Infact I am in the middle of qualifying for WLS. I had to have lots of bloodwork, a cardiolite stress test, a psych test, clearance from my PCP and Endocrinologist and a Nutriionalist. After 42 years, I am tired of being on 12 meds a day and having no energy. I started this journey over 2 years ago by researching options and the pursuit of the surgery about 7 months ago, My insurance requires a 6 month weight loss plan and I am at month 6 in June. I am so glad to be able to have a tool to use to get to a healthier me. I just want to be healthy not skinny. I don't think I ever will be skinny BUT I can be healthy. I now know that 343 pounds is not healthy at least not for me at 5ft 6 inches. Right now I am at 314. Done by walking and watching what I eat but I eat what I want but I make way better choices. My surgeon wanted me to lose 10-15 pounds before surgery, I am aiming at 300 pound mark by surgery date which should be early to mid July. And I know that I am lucky my insurance does pay for it even if you have to go through a "program" to get it. And one more thing that I want to add for anyone reading this, I am happy being me but I am not healthy. It took me a long time to realize they are not the same thing. God Bless you and father and the work you two are doing. And I live in houston and looked at your program at Methodist when I was researching. 
in June 2006. My pre-op weight in December 2006 was 438 lbs. As of May 29th, less than 6 months post-op, I am at 318.6 lbs and feeling wonderful. I had my surgery was paid for 100% 
with 80% paid by my insurance (BCBS of Texas) and my 20% deductible paid for by the Texas Rehabilitation Commission's DARS program after working and fighting with their department for over 3 years. 
