I Had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss Surgery

Food No Longer Controls My Life!

By: MexiJ

Written on August 20th, 2009

I had VSG surgey on month ago and it's the most important decision I've ever made in my entire life.

As long as I can remember, I've been extremely overweight. Food was my comfort and consolation, something to turn to when I was bored or lonely, the antidote for every disappointment and reward for everything to be celebrated. Food was also a huge part of every social occasion, sometimes the sole reason for social interaction. It seemed as if I thought of food all the time and it was truly the priority in my life. This relationship caused me to balloon to 400+ pounds!

My VGS surgery has given me the tools to establish a totally new (healthy) relationship with food. Food is no longer the driving force in my life. I have lost 35 lbs. in the first month post surgery. I feel great!

My only regret is that I did not find a way to have surgery many years ago. My life would be so different. I have missed out on so many things because of my weight. Enjoyable experiences like going to the beach or pool, going to concerts or plays (because I can fit in the seats), traveling by air (and not being crammed into a seat way too small to accomdate me), sitting in a booth at a restaurant (and being able to fit comfortably), exercising (without being breathless or being in pain), and so on, and so on.

If you are unhappy about your weight and have lost weight over and over only to regain it (and more), please consider VGS surgery. It is changing my life dramatically and I know it could make a difference for you.

If you'd like to talk, I'd be happy to discuss any and all issues with you. Just please conisder VGS and do some homework about it.

By: MexiJ

Age: 56-60

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17 responses

stavroulaikas

please call me 937 902 0908 Angie

6 days ago
1 like
Tealvaughan

Hi I am considering the gastric sleeve. I am 230 lbs 5'4 and I have recently lost 57 lbs dieting but put 20 lbs back on. It seems I can loose weight but I have a hard time keeping it off. I have been 100 lbs + overweight for about 15 years and I am sick of it ! But I am also scared to do something drastic like the sleeve. I am very nervous that I won't mentally be able to handle the small portions and not drinking with meals. I also want to know what your experience is with avoiding sugary treats. That's a big one for me. I am scared that I'll get the surgery and miss food and enjoying it. Do u feel satisfied and content with these small portions and are your "bad" cravings gone? How much of a struggle is it after the weight has come off?

Apr 26
1 like
gayc

Hi. I see this is about 4 yrs. ago. I'd love to talk to you about how you are doing long term. I am scheduled to have this done in about 6 weeks
thanks

Mar 1
1 like
misenor

Hi, I'm going to have my surgery on Dec 26th and I am really afraid that I will not be successful in my weight loss journey. I keep thinking that I will continue to want to eat all time even after the surgery!! I am currently doing two weeks of optifast ( two weeks prior surgery to shrink liver per dr's request)... I'm hungry. Can you pls share how you were before surgery and you are now after surgery?...habits wise

Dec 15, 2012
1 like
Raerae39

Best thing in the world for getting your weight off and becoming healthy! I am two weeks out and have lost 25 pounds! 10 pounds was from five day preop diet. I have done well, two day hospital stay, very little pain and nausea. My enormous appetite has gone away and I feel so much better about food. My guilt from overindulging was killing me emotionally and physically. Now I eat very small amounts and I am completely satisfied. I am on a real soft diet now and working hard on getting in the protein. I was a bit scared before my surgery, but I knew in my gut that this was a tool that I needed to take back my life and be around for my family. My only regret is why didn't I do this sooner?

Sep 11, 2012
1 like
renee2012

I had mine just 5 days ago!!! I came home just yesterday 6/7/2012. I am sooo sore, but so excited to see myself as time goes by. CathyAnnD, amazingly you won't want the food, or desire it. It is super crazy how it all changes. marilyncmeloose, you will not mind the protein drinks at all compared to prior to surgery. I hated them prior to surgery, but don't mind them now at all. My best advice is to be patient with your body as it heals. I am still sooo sore. I need to be ok with just resting and allow my body to rest.

Jun 8, 2012
1 like
CathyAnnD

Wonderful story. May I ask how you dealt with the loss of your coping mechanism (food, of course)? That is the part that concerns me the most. I, like you, know why and when I eat, but so now what?? How do you deal with those emotions? I am scheduled for my sleeve in July

May 19, 2012
1 like
marilyncmeloose

I'm Nervous my Surgery is in 10 days and I'm really struggling with the Protein drinks already! Having trouble drinking them and keeping them down worried what will happen after surgery if I cant drink protein drinks? I'm 5"6 weigh 320 and need the surgery. any recommendations?

Jan 27, 2012
1 like
- JeoForerunners
  The gastric sleeve procedure rarely causes nutritional deficiencies as it does not involve any intestinal bypass, however, supplementation is recommended by most bariatric surgeons since the procedure is very restrictive. However, if protein drinks are you issue, you can eat protein-rich foods - like fish, chicken, turkey, soy, legumes, low-fat cheese, and eggs. Don’t worry everything will be fine!!!Discuss this issue with your doctor….he will suggest you the best option.
  
  Apr 2, 2012
  1 like
willufight4life

I got "sleeved" just about a month ago as well. I've lost about 25 lbs. I'm very excited about the prospect of finally losing weight once and for all and getting to have a healthy, normal life. What are your meals like? Do you find yourself eating too much at all or do you stay withing a regimented amount? Are you exercising now and how long have you been exercising? I feel stuck right now because I'm stalled and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I think that maybe I'm not getting enough protein. Do you drink supplements? Sorry for all of the questions, but I know you can relate to how this feels. You are an inspiration.

Nov 29, 2010
2 likes
harshil171

I AM 25 yrs male, my weight is 319lbs, height is 6.1, i was suffering from Deep vein Thrombosis in my right leg a year back,for which i was under medication (WARF)for 8 months i had went under the balloon BIB Surgery i lost 68.2 lbs in six months but after removing the balloon, now i weight the same again and i am a bit worried that i will again Develop the DVT in my leg. so i am planning for VSG. But i Havnt seen any patient in the same age group going under this surgery. please help me on this. i am an indian and i am afraid of doing this surgery in india so i am planning to do it at your hospital. but i need further guidance . waiting for your positive reply.

Aug 7, 2010
1 like
marianneschaffer

Congrats on your well deserved success. I'm scheduled for the VSG April 5th. I'm nervous of course, but I'm really looking forward to getting on with my life and being healthy. I've already shed over 40 lbs while preparing for this surgery and it feels wonderful. I can walk 4 miles in less than an hour and it really feels good. I'm glad that my physician insisted on getting the eating and exercise routine in place before surgery. Good luck to all you pre-ops out there like me. Think happy healthy thoughts!

Mar 19, 2010
2 likes
NtvTxn

Congratulations! I'm scheduled for sleeve surgery on June 11th. Hearing YOUR story makes me so excited to get started!! Keep up the good work!

Mar 8, 2010
1 like
kimmiegirl

Hi, Thank you for sharing your story. I'm considering the surgery. But of course I'm pretty scared of any kind of surgery. There must be some unpleasant side effects. Can you tell me some of the struggles you might be experiencing?

Thanks

Nov 30, 2009
1 like
irisloveus

It's so amazing to hear your story and Honest I wish you the very best...I am actually on November the 3rd going to see a doctor and see if I qualify for the surgery of the sleeve too do it as soon as possible. I weight 420lbs, I don't know what is like to be thin. I have always been a big girl...and I can't get pregnant. I am 29 and I am not getting any younger. I want to have the joy of becoming somebody's mother. ALLLL the doctors say is untill I lose weight but it's so difficult and now I am determined to change my life, and like u said I wish I would of done this a long time ago. Wish me luck..and I wish u the bestest of luck too.

Oct 26, 2009
1 like
Bobbleybeanbird

Forgive my ignorance, but what is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss Surgery? I've heard of gastric bands - is this the same thing?

Well done you for turning your life around - may you live a long and happy healthy life.

~hugs~

Sep 20, 2009
1 like
nautica806

Congratulations.... it has made me think about my own situation. Thanks

Aug 20, 2009
1 like

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