Started at 350lbs and ended at 178lbs. I lost 100...
15 Apr 2012
2 years post
Started at 350lbs and ended at 178lbs. I lost 100 pounds the first 100 days. I feel great. I look great. It was the best decision of my life.
I am now almost 4 years post-op and I constantly...
8 Nov 2012
3 years post
I am now almost 4 years post-op and I constantly get the same questions from people... Have you kept the weight off? Have you gained any of your old weight back? Are you able to eat again? According to my scale as of this morning I weigh 180 lbs. I have been in the 174-184 range for the last 2.5 years. So, yes, im at the same weight i've been since i've had my surgery in May 2009. As for eating... I do find i eat more now but nowhere near the amounts i was accustomed to eating. My breakfast consists of one slice of whole wheat bread, toasted, with either SF jam or cheese or peanut butter. At lunch, i usually have a small greek salad or a small apple. Now that winter is approaching, I like to make soup. I sometimes make one of those Quaker Oats oatmeal packages. I can eat the whole thing but it really fills me up. At dinner, i'll eat whatever the family is eating but in a smaller portion. Mashed pot, corn, brocolli, chicken... about 1 - 1 1/2 cups worth. Pasta doesnt do well with me. I sometimes dump on it. I've tried every single type... whole wheat, rice, egg, it doesnt matter. Im italian so not having pasta was a bummer at first but i'm ok with it now. Ribs and steak also make me dump, along with ice cream. All things i misses the first 6-8 months post-op but rarely think about now. We actually dont keep those things in the house anymore. Outta sight outta mind. In between meals i will snack on a granola bar... half and apple... even a slice of toasted WW bread does the trick. I was never a drinker. I hate beer and wine. Rarely i'd have a mixed drink at a wedding. So i dont miss not being able to drink. I wasnt a big pop drinker before surgery either so taking it out of circulation wasnt a big issue. Ice cream is reserved for bday party's... the rest is tossed. In the summer i go for jogs, in the winter I do a very very light version of P90X or insanity. It keeps me moving. I get about 20-30 emails a day regarding the YouTube video i posted. Im glad its doing what it was intended to do... inform and give a visual of the results from GBP. Everyone should do their homework. Once you've convinced yourself that a particular surgery is right for you then go for it and dont turn back. Dont let other "uninformed" people try to change your mind or sway you into thinking you're making the wrong decision.
Questions? PM me.
Good luck and best wishes
Santino
I've been asked about any side effects. I produce...
21 Feb 2013
3 years post
I've been asked about any side effects. I produce kidney stones pretty frequently... sometimes 1x a month. I produced stones prior to surgery too but no where as frequent. My stones are calcium oxalate. There is no medication to cure this. The only way to slow the production is to drink plenty of water (which we should be doing anyway). Gastric Bypass isn't a magic pill, its a tool to help you lose the weight. Its your job to maintain a good healthy lifestyle.
Bless you! You look awesome, and your diet looks very similar to mine. I'm glad to know the weight stays stable eating this way, I can relax. Thank you!
Beauty_and0bese
18 May 2013
WOW!! Looking good!!
KateH
(Community Manager)16 May 2013
You look awesome, thank you for sharing your journey! :)
Navakanth
23 Apr 2013
hi, santino,, this is navakanth from India, i just read u r article and went to the surgery on 27th feb , 2013,, the weight loss is very good for my part, i lost almost 18 kgs in 50 days ,, but i had a small problem how to identify the full of stomach when u r eating ,, pls help me regarding this ,, thanks in advance
SantinoP
12 May 2013
Hello Navakanth.
I had trouble with knowing when i was full right after surgery too. I would ALWAYS overeat and get sick. This went on for 3+ months. I started using smaller plates. The saucer that you put your coffee cup on works good. Put a small amount of food on that and use that as a guide to how much food to intake. You have to train your brain into eating small small small portions. Once you have that figured out you will do just fine
msbwolf
15 Apr 2013
I just found this website and am amazed at everyone's success..congratulations on your weight loss and keeping it off...I go for the orientation next week, I am at the beginning stages but realize that this is what i need. I have started to lose some weight and exercise with curves program as i read in my book that i should do that...a friend of mine is waiting for her next stage of going through this...i know for me that i want this and have the support in my bf and mother who want me to live and me as well...i am doing as much research as possible...your story is inspiring...
bright eye
12 Apr 2013
Hi Santino
I am so happy to read your story it gives me strength. My surgery date is May 2 and right now I am on the opti fast and feeling a little like I'm going crazy. But stories like your are inspirational so thank you. My starting weight was 340 and since going through the program and making some changes I am 315and lossing. But do you or anyone else have any suggestions on how to deal with those cravings .
angela65
14 Apr 2013
Hi, i just had my bypass done April 4th. Try the Isopure. the flavours are okay. no aftertase and you get your protien.
Spanish_ flare03
8 Apr 2013
Hi Santino, first and foremost congrats on the weight loss you look great!! I just had the RNY gastric bypass on April 5th 2013 ( just2 days ago) it was a very long procedure 5 hours to be exact. It's kinda crazy cause I have always wanted to get the surgery after I seen I could not get the weight off. But now that it actually happened I am having regrets did this ever happened to you?if, so how did you deal with those feelings?. I am having a lot of diarrhea ( sorry don't mean to gross you or anyone out ready this) but did this happened to you? If, so how long did it last? Seen how I just had the surgery 2 days ago everything is sore and hurts badly thank god for pain meds. I just hope all this goes away and I can be happy about my decision as stated above I am just having a lot of regrets and thinking to myself what did I just do to my body!! I am not trying to discourage anyone who is reading my post I am just trying to make you aware that 1. This surgery is irrevisable and 2. It is really hard to adjust to your new life and what you just did to your inside. All the best of luck to anyone who does go this route I know it changes life's for the better.
joseluischristiantorres
5 Apr 2013
I m getting mine done on the 16th of this month. Im in my pre op diet and it really sucks. Watching your video helps giving strengh to guys like me. I already lost 23 pounds on my diet, cant wait for my surgery. Im at 336, a week ago I wad 359.
VelvetDawn
4 Apr 2013
Hi Santino,
I'm considering the gastric bypass surgery. I was wondering if you can tell me of any pre-op preparation you had to do? And did you have any major complications afterwards? Just nervous with all the information out there with the pros & cons with the surgery. Haven't been able to find any numbers on the percentage of success stories vs. non success. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
SantinoP
4 Apr 2013
Hi Dawn
I dont have numbers either but i will tell you that GBP is the most effective weightloss surgery out there today. The sleeve is close. Me, i had no complications whatsoever. I was playing tennis 1 week post-op. I had tremendous energy. Yes, some people have complications. Even severe complications but those are few and far between. Keep in mind that Weight Watchers and Weight loss pharmacies dont make any money if people have surgery so theres a lot of people/company's out there spreading false info. Do your homework and ask people who have actually had the surgery and have gone thru it.
I had to do a 3 week pre-op liquid diet. I had to see a phsycologist, blood work, stomach biopsy, nutristionsit meetings, sleep apnea testing and more blood work before i had surgery. This isn't a walk in the park but it is a very effective tool to help people who have struggled their whole life with their weight. I'm 4 years post-op and i have maintained my weight the entire time... give or take 5-8lbs.
Yes there are plenty of non-success stories but you have to ask yourself why they were not successful. What factors in their lives caused them to reroute back to old habits. If you follow the guidelines given by your surgeon you will be successful. Its a terrific feeling being thin and healthy and i wish you all the best
Kirsty at RealSelf
(Community Manager)9 Apr 2013
Hi Dawn, Welcome!
You may want to check out our Weight Loss Surgery page. There are a few guides and other tools that you may find useful.
mariaogonzalez
16 Apr 2013
Hi. Santinop You look great I am nervous have I my 1st ceminar tomorrow, I am really happy and cant wait. My question for you, Is it painfull?and After the seminar how long due you have to wait for the GBP surgery
jgrassi
22 Mar 2013
Ciao Santino, congratulations on your great success. I just started the process, I don't even have a date yet. As sad a testimony this is, what makes me most anxious is having to give up pasta. It's not about the taste or anything like that - being first generation Italian American, every holiday, every occasion means family and homemade pasta, usually made by my wife and I from scratch. So there's a whole psychological component and attachment. Can you tell me if you had any similar issues and how you dealt with it?
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, it is so helpful. God bless.
Joe
SantinoP
23 Mar 2013
Hi Joe I had the same problem. I loved pasta. I'll be honest... the first 6-8 months were difficult not being able to eat and pasta was the one thing i missed the most. Unfortunately for me i was never able to go back to pasta. It makes me dump. And i've tried every single type... whole wheat, rice, spianch... all make me sick. I'm 4 years post op and occasionally i do crave pasta but the cravings went away after 6-8 months. I rarely think about it. Even at weddings i pass the tray around without touching it and it doesnt bother me one bit. The first 6 months after surgery is where your brain learns that those types of foods are bad and when you eat them they cause pain or make you sick... eventually you dont care for them any more. Its hard to imagine where you are at now that you can go without pasta but trust me, those pasta cravings go away and you wont even think twice about it. I had a restaurant and I do all the cooking in my house, my wife and kids love pasta and i cook it occsionally and i have no problems. You have to look at the big picture. How long will you be around making home made pasta if you remain at the weight you are now?? We grew up with our parents and nonna living off pasta and bread and thats all we know about. There are healthier choices out there. I'm a fanatic of greek salad. I can eat it 3x a day whereas before i didnt even think salad was meal... i thought salad came WITH the meal. Best of luck Joe. Its a decision you wont regret. If you have questions you can email me directly xxxhotmail.com
jgrassi
24 Mar 2013
Thank you Santino and thanks for the email address.
John Yon
14 Mar 2013
Hello Santino,
I have just the finish the steps for my insurance for GSP. My scheduled date for surgery is April 24th 2013, is there any tips leading up to the surgery you can share? I plan on documenting my progress as well.
thanks
JOHN
SantinoP
14 Mar 2013
Congrats. Just set your sights on the healthier you... it'll get you thru the last 2-3 weeks before surgery. Follow the surgeon's recommendations. You'll be fine...
Best of luck
SANTINO
Alfreda72638
1 Mar 2013
who is the doctor and what was your cost
SantinoP
2 Mar 2013
Dr. Anvari at St. Joes' Hospital in Hamilton... and i live in Canada. Our health care is free (if you dont include the ridiculous price of gas, cigarettes, alcohol etc etc)
bessie7105
27 Feb 2013
hallo Santino. I am planning on having this gastric bypass in June. Have a few stress issues. people said I will be making a mistake. There is so many things that can happen afterwards. But I am really fed up of being the FAT lady. Give me some tips, motivation anything. But going I am going, and my husband was also sceptic but he now is behind me. Just scared that something will happen in theatre or afterwards. You look stunning. How did youre life changed afterwards.
SantinoP
27 Feb 2013
Well, first off... you are doing this for you. Nobody else should be making any comments or trying to convince you otherwise. If you have negative feedback from other people, remove yourself from those people. Yes, there are so many things that can happen afterwards... theres also so many things THAT WILL happen if you dont have the surgery. Aftr surgery, you will be healthier... any minor complications are a very small price to pay for your health. How did my life change? I can walk without being out of breathe, i fit into clothes right off the shelf. I dont have sleep apnea, I dont have breathing problems, I dont have knee pains, I dont have acid reflux, I dont have heart palpitations... I just follow the surgeons guildlines and the weight melted off. I do a lot of walking and i stay active whenever i can. The simplest things that were so hard to do before are so easy to do now. Do your research... once you decided that whichever surgery is best for you then stick to your guns no matter what anyone else says and go for it... you wont regret it. Best of luck and best wishes
Sharon at RealSelf
(Community Manager)13 Feb 2013
Wow, you look fabulous. Congrats on your weight loss and thanks for the update!
elisep36
10 Dec 2012
You look fantastic. Congrats on all the hard work. :)
You look awesome, thank you for sharing your journey! :)
hi, santino,, this is navakanth from India, i just read u r article and went to the surgery on 27th feb , 2013,, the weight loss is very good for my part, i lost almost 18 kgs in 50 days ,, but i had a small problem how to identify the full of stomach when u r eating ,, pls help me regarding this ,, thanks in advance
Hi, i just had my bypass done April 4th. Try the Isopure. the flavours are okay. no aftertase and you get your protien.
Hi Santino, first and foremost congrats on the weight loss you look great!! I just had the RNY gastric bypass on April 5th 2013 ( just2 days ago) it was a very long procedure 5 hours to be exact. It's kinda crazy cause I have always wanted to get the surgery after I seen I could not get the weight off. But now that it actually happened I am having regrets did this ever happened to you?if, so how did you deal with those feelings?. I am having a lot of diarrhea ( sorry don't mean to gross you or anyone out ready this) but did this happened to you? If, so how long did it last? Seen how I just had the surgery 2 days ago everything is sore and hurts badly thank god for pain meds. I just hope all this goes away and I can be happy about my decision as stated above I am just having a lot of regrets and thinking to myself what did I just do to my body!! I am not trying to discourage anyone who is reading my post I am just trying to make you aware that 1. This surgery is irrevisable and 2. It is really hard to adjust to your new life and what you just did to your inside. All the best of luck to anyone who does go this route I know it changes life's for the better.
I m getting mine done on the 16th of this month. Im in my pre op diet and it really sucks. Watching your video helps giving strengh to guys like me. I already lost 23 pounds on my diet, cant wait for my surgery. Im at 336, a week ago I wad 359.
Hi Dawn, Welcome!
You may want to check out our Weight Loss Surgery page. There are a few guides and other tools that you may find useful.
Hi. Santinop You look great I am nervous have I my 1st ceminar tomorrow, I am really happy and cant wait. My question for you, Is it painfull?and After the seminar how long due you have to wait for the GBP surgery
Hi Joe I had the same problem. I loved pasta. I'll be honest... the first 6-8 months were difficult not being able to eat and pasta was the one thing i missed the most. Unfortunately for me i was never able to go back to pasta. It makes me dump. And i've tried every single type... whole wheat, rice, spianch... all make me sick. I'm 4 years post op and occasionally i do crave pasta but the cravings went away after 6-8 months. I rarely think about it. Even at weddings i pass the tray around without touching it and it doesnt bother me one bit. The first 6 months after surgery is where your brain learns that those types of foods are bad and when you eat them they cause pain or make you sick... eventually you dont care for them any more. Its hard to imagine where you are at now that you can go without pasta but trust me, those pasta cravings go away and you wont even think twice about it. I had a restaurant and I do all the cooking in my house, my wife and kids love pasta and i cook it occsionally and i have no problems. You have to look at the big picture. How long will you be around making home made pasta if you remain at the weight you are now?? We grew up with our parents and nonna living off pasta and bread and thats all we know about. There are healthier choices out there. I'm a fanatic of greek salad. I can eat it 3x a day whereas before i didnt even think salad was meal... i thought salad came WITH the meal. Best of luck Joe. Its a decision you wont regret. If you have questions you can email me directly xxxhotmail.com
Wow, you look fabulous. Congrats on your weight loss and thanks for the update!