LoneStar Bariatrics

Read My Story – Brandon

Brandon
Gastric Bypass

My Weight Loss Journey

Weight Loss in 3 Months115 lbs
Weight Loss in 6 Months146 lbs
Weight Loss in 1 Year180 lbs
TOTAL LOST200-210 lbs
brandon-before
Before
brandon-after-photo
After

My Story

I had tried so many different diets for so many years and ended up continually discouraged, continually sending myself in a shame spiral, and delving even further into disordered eating. Thankfully, a colleague who was one of Dr. Carlton’s patients referred me to him.

Before surgery, I was scared but at the same time, hopeful. It felt like this was my last chance to have the life that I wanted to truly live. Dr. Carlton and his staff were phenomenal, they were so professional, empathetic, and I never felt judged or fat shamed by any of the team, which is a stark difference in how I was treated by my previous medical provider – notice, I said PREVIOUS!

Before surgery, I was concerned about the pain, as this is an invasive surgery. Because of my own personal history, I was really worried about having to take pain medication following surgery. My other big concern was excess skin resulting from rapid weight loss. Once I was at the hospital for surgery, I was excited! There was a little bit of anxiety as well but mostly excited about this next chapter in my life.

After surgery, the first three days were hard, not so much in terms of pain from the surgery but the amount of gas. Making sure that I got enough water and liquids so that I was meeting my nutrition goals was hard (but I did it because I didn’t want to screw anything up)!

I lost around 115lbs by three months, 146 lbs by six months, and 180lbs at a year. Since then, I’ve gone below 200lbs but seem to have leveled off between 200-210 and I’m okay with that! Everyday life post-surgery has been filled with non-scale victories. Things such as sitting in the middle seat on an airplane with plenty of room, having plenty of room from the seatbelt on the airplane, being able to cross my legs, being able to walk/be more active outside without being winded, being able to shop at regular stores and not having to shop in the big and tall section (it still blows me away that I have a 34” waist when I was so used to having at 46 – 48” waist)! I haven’t been on any medications for cholesterol or high blood pressure since surgery, my bloodwork comes back in normal ranges every time I have my blood drawn, I am no longer pre-diabetic, and I no longer have sleep apnea and have to sleep with a CPAP. Long story short, I was a ticking time-bomb of a heart attack or stroke and this surgery has saved my life. Additionally, I have been utilizing therapy for years prior to surgery and have definitely leaned in since surgery with my therapist. About six months after surgery, I hit this strange place where my body was changing drastically, however, I was unable to connect with what I saw in the mirror and what I felt on the inside as to who I had always identified with (someone who is fat). It was shocking really. LEAN INTO THERAPY because you’re going to need it and you will be grateful for it. My confidence is renewed, my self esteem has skyrocketed and in terms of dating, let me just say that I don’t accept breadcrumbs anymore, from anyone.

Dr. Carlton and his staff are amazing and do phenomenal work. I am grateful every single day for the life that they have given me!