Transformation Story - Marvin
Are you considering weight loss surgery? Wondering what it's really like? Check out this interview with one of our patients, Marvin. His life has completely changed since having the Gastric Sleeve procedure almost 2 years ago.
What was your life like before surgery?
I was sad, sedentary, lethargic, and kinda letting life just pass me by. Almost watching from the sidelines. No real joy. I was once asked to get off an amusement park ride because I was too big -- so humiliating! I said that I would never go back to another park.
How did you decide that you were ready for surgery?
I was taking so much medication. Pills for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Then my primary care physician decided that I needed to see some specialists. He said, "Marvin, you've been diabetic for almost 10 years, and we need to see if the diabetes has caused any damage that we need to get out in front of while we can," which I thought was strange, but ok. So he made me appointments with a gastroenterologist, an ophthalmologist, and a cardiologist. I faired pretty good with the specialists even though I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This entire experience started me thinking and shifted my perspective. I always thought that as long as I took my meds I was okay, but now I was thinking -- I have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and now congestive heart failure! OMG! I dodged a bullet with the specialists this time, but if I don't do something fast, then the next time I may not be so lucky.
I had lived in North Carolina since 2001, and moved back to Nashville in 2012 at my mother's request to help her out. I felt like I was a heart attack or stroke waiting to happen, and then what was my mother going to do? I knew that the situation was still in my hands, but I was at a loss for what to do next. Luckily one day I ran into an old friend who looked FABULOUS, and she told me that she was a patient of Dr. Houston.
What surprised you about the process?
How easy it was and how supportive the staff was. If I had to, I would do it all over again. It changed my life! It gave me back my life! Dr. Houston is the best!! I've since been to a couple of amusement parks and rode everything!!
Give us your best piece of weight loss advice.
All you need is a little help, and you can succeed. Nashville Weight Loss Solutions knows how to help, they helped me.
How much weight have you lost so far and what is your goal?
I am down 90 pounds, with 10 to go. The only medication that I'm still taking is for my blood pressure, and that may not be for long. I also recently had a sleep study done and I no longer have sleep apnea. The technician stated that I got some of the best sleep she has seen in a long time, and best of all... I feel GREAT!
How has Nashville Weight Loss Solutions continued to support you beyond operation day?
They continue to provide counseling, vitamins and supplements. I have access to the dietitians. Most importantly for me, it's the support groups. They are invaluable. Because of my work schedule I can't come as often as I would like to, but they are essential. I started going pre-surgery and found them to be most informative. They have really made the difference.
If you want to transform your life like Marvin has, we want to help. Take a look at all the ways you can Choose to Lose with Nashville Weight Loss Solutions, or give us a call today at 615-342-5820.
