I, like many have battled my weight for years yo-yo ing up and down. I reached a point several years ago where I could no longer get the weight off. All of the regular "tricks" I did, did not work. Here I was, 46 years old, an obese, diabetic with high blood pressure...and the single mom of a teenagee daughter. I needed help to save my life and to be around for my daughter. I went to more than one doctor. Even began the process with another doctors office!! This other office herded people in like cattle. All together in one room for everything. It was awful. Dr. Sedrak knows me by name. He knows my case. He UNDERSTANDS because he's been there. I'm not just another dollar. He really cares. He saved my life and gave my daughter her mom back! I'm FOREVER grateful!! Do you need permanent change? You need Dr. Sedrak!!!!
Dr. Sedrak, is GOD sent. I was 206 lbs, with comorbid conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and I was border line diabetic. I was taking hypertension medication; cholesterol medications, my health was a mess. I was very depressed, and I realized how unhappy I was with myself. My knees were so bad, that I needed to have a PRP treatments, which were very expensive. I was skeptical about going through weight loss surgeries. I told and promised myself, that I can and will do this my way. Truth be told, my way didn't work at all. I continued to be miserable and feel very ugly and fat. After six years later, I have decided to go forward with the Gastric Sleeve procedure, I had it done last June 2017. Five months later, I am 128 lbs. My clothes that I was wearing were sizes: 2xl for shirts; size 14-18 for dresses and pants 14-18 pants; today, I am wearing sizes small for dresses, and pants I am now size 3. By far, the best decision I have ever made in my life. I am no longer taking any medications for both high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My sugar level is normal. I should have done this six years ago. I am forever grateful to Dr. Sedrak, he saved my LIFE. He treated me as a human being not a statistics; his bedside manner and his professionalism were above and beyond. The most fascinating about Dr. Sedrak that I experienced, he personally called and checked on me, to see how I was doing and my progress or if I was having any discomfort, I was amazed; I had few surgery in the past from different surgeons, NO surgeon had ever called me to check on me. I knew this doctor really cares. I highly recommend Dr. Michael Sedrak for any bariatric or general surgeries. Best of all, he has the GREATEST staff; they're warm and happy team. Thank you Dr. Sedrak and your amazing TEAM......Miriam J...
I was in a health crisis. I was suffering from fatigue, a hiatal hernia and needed my gal bladder removed. Due to my poor health I was a candidate for the Sleeve. I had read a review about Dr Sedrack and his staff that led me to call his Corona office. I am so happy I made that call and only wished I had called sooner! I had all 3 surgeries performed by Dr Sedrack. There was not a day that went by where I didn't feel taken care of. Dr Sedrack and his staff are amazing! They were there every step of my journey before as well as after. The complete process was just over three months. I have a new chance at life and I owe that to Dr Sedrack
The Gastric Sleeve: One of the best decisions of my life! I have been overweight my whole life and my lifestyle is mostly surrounded by computers. I am 6" tall, and started out at 320 lbs, and I am nearly 2 years post op, down to 190 lbs. I remember before my journey started, I had pretty much everything related to being morbidly obese on my check list. High blood pressure. high blood sugar, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc. that would never go away if i hadnt taken cared of my weight. Now, that i've gotten where i need to be, i will never want to gain that weight back again. I got my life back, and i want to keep it.
Disappointed. This review is solely based on Dr. Sedrak’s staff and not the surgeon’s ability. It first started out great, even got a great cash price. However, an office snafu was faulted on the patient with no compassion on the effects of rescheduling the day before surgery date, nor how it was delivered. In my opinion, you are just as much a patient before surgery, as you are post-op. If I was being dismissed and treated poorly now, I surely didn’t want to carry on the horrible experience post-op. Be your own advocate when it comes to medical decisions. I opted for another surgeon, and couldn’t be more pleased. Go for the surgery, but don’t let someone else dictate your terms.
I have struggled with weight 41yrs and was about to do a tummy tuck when I realized that doing so first would be like putting a band aid over a cut, as I love food. I can totally make lifestyle changes, but the sleeve is an added boost. I've met with several doctors, one I was Meh about, the other talked bad about the first medical group, the 3rd I totally fell in love with but the price was just very unrealistic and now today I met the One. It was a short visit but he answered my questions. I was ready to pay for half of my procedure today but was informed that I have to be medically cleared prior to getting a date. So I'll see my PCP at Kaiser for it and I hope to be ready to go mid February. It isn't real yet, but I'm working on it. Updated on 2 Jan 2018: Today I received the orders needed prior to my procedure. Meeting with my PCP next week to start scratching items off my To Do list. Was told by my older sister, who totally doesn't understand what this struggle is like, that I'm taking the easy way out. She said just work out... HAHAHA yeah I can work out and lose 20-30lbs but the weight always finds its way back. So sister, don't tell me just work out. It frustrates me how narrow minded she is. People like her really [RS bleep] me off. I know I know, stupid is as stupid does.. Anyway, back to counting down the days! Updated on 6 Jan 2018: Just wanted to give an update, am scheduled to meet with PCP to get started on tests required for surgery clearance, AND doing my Bariatric Psych Eval next Friday 1/12/18!!! It's exciting and at the same time feels surreal cause I guess I haven't scratched any items off my pre-op Rx.. Also, I heard Mr Dr can do a mini sleeve and I considered it, but after careful consideration I decided to go FULL sleeve as I don't wanna end up having to get revision at later date, though I have no intentions of NOT following Dr's orders. Nonetheless I am super duper stoked about what is to come!! Will update after next Friday's appointments. Updated on 9 Jan 2018: So I paid half of my procedure today and OMG the excitement is building, especially from now til f riday. The anxiety will probably kill me!! Updated on 13 Jan 2018: I met with PCP yesterday and was able to check off half the items needed for medical clearance. Scheduled abdominal ultrasound for 1/26 and will go back next week for chest XRay. For blood work, EKG and a couple other things I spent half the day at Kaiser! It's like, hello people I do work!! Anyhow, my PCP thinks I am going about this the right way, since for KP to cover the surgery I'd have to put on another 15lbs and that is NOT happening. PCP and I can discuss excess skin removal when time comes, but this is happening! I originally wanted a February date, but seeing I wanna pay as much of the procedure off so not to finance too much of it, I wanna do 1st or 2nd week of March. Oh y sooo exciting!!! Pictures, stats and all the particulars to follow shortly. Updated on 14 Jan 2018: So here are some of my stats, I'm 5'6" and a lil change, 233lbs with bmi of 38. I still don't have a date but with the exception of chest xray and stomach ultrasound I'm pretty much done with pre op orders. Updated on 24 Jan 2018: Spoke to Jenny at Dr. Sedrak's office. I have been put on calendar for 3/10/18!!! Of course pending receipt of pre op work up reports & letter of clearance. So excited it's been such a LONG time coming!! Updated on 26 Jan 2018: This morning I had 2 of the last tests done for required pre op work up. Scheduled swallow test for 2 weeks from now and goodness gracious it does seem like this is finally gonna happen for me. I don't have to feel like an enormous person for the rest of my life. My surgery date is 3/10 and it just hit me that's a tad more than a month away!! Updated on 3 Feb 2018: Today is February 3, I will start my pre op diet on February 26th. I'm excited, but it isn't THAT real yet. I'll post pictures of yours truly around then. I'm excited but not yet excited to the point I can't sit still. Don't get me wrong rh3 sleeve is just about all I can think about. I'm contemplating on what I should tell my co-workers?? I've started preparing my clients for my month long absence. Updated on 10 Feb 2018: As the momentum us slowly building I thought I'd include some pictures.. Updated on 13 Feb 2018: As I write this I am in the waiting room at KP waiting for esophogram and this should be IT!! took my clothes off and now waiting for actual procedure. OMG!!!! Updated on 14 Feb 2018: Well, today I FINALLY heard back from our HR department regarding the getting approval for the type of leave I'll be using for the month that I will be taking off for surgery/recovery (gotta love the feds!). I decided to take 1 month because in my position, I am field based, meaning I travel like 95% of the time during my 8hr tour of duty. Since I'll have to adjust and train my body in this new lifestyle- if I were office based it'd be easier. Anyhoo, I have a ton of documents to complete prior to submitting to HR (again, I totally love the feds and all their beauracracy). I really don't care I just want this approved, cause I am taking the time off regardless. Updated on 17 Feb 2018: I will officially begin my pre-op diet next next Sunday and I am SOOOOO excited. I have a fun and wonderful training next Friday & Saturday (notice my sarcasm), but still that won't damper my mood. Next Friday/Saturday, I'm going to the store to stock up on my pre-op meals. I am really super excited about this. It's getting real-ER by the minute. I am also going on bariatricadvantage.com to border my post op, protein rich broth & stuff.Next week my procedure will be paid in full! Updated on 20 Feb 2018: So I decided to try out my new scale and that hideous monster says I'm at 240lbs!!!! That is the biggest I have ever been! At least when I was 230 I could say that's close to my 9th month pregnancy weight when I had a nice sized human inside my body. This time I have no excuse!!! I feel so disgusting and I swear I can't breathe!!! Updated on 22 Feb 2018: I got my surgery time from Gregory at the office. I am going to be sleeved at 8am on 3/10/18 OMG!!!!! I am taking a month off work, want everything to heal nice and neat. Waiting to receive FMLA papers to submit to HR so that they won't try to mess with my accrued leave and just let me take LWOP... Oh goodness you seriously gotta love the feds! On a lighter note I start my post op diet on Sunday!!!! Gonna stock up on stuff tomorrow after work. Updated on 26 Feb 2018: Today has been day #1 of pre op diet. It hasn't been too bad. I've had my protein drinks and for dinner will have said I which is stew. Lots of veggies and no rice. I started out my day at 233lbs. Updated on 27 Feb 2018: So day 2 came and is almost gone. I can't believe that I haven't died yet! Lol I'm so dramatic, but really I thought that I'd be in serious starvation mode but the food or lack of isn't that bad at all. I'm not even tempted to each bad stuff. Don't get me wrong I love bad stuff right about now, but it isn't killing me to not have it. I've been invited to several happy hours and that isnt very helpful to my liver. I know we're going to one after my surgery in honor of my co-worker who passed away last week, and I am not missing that for anything! I'm such a dork I weighed myself this morning like expecting to see weight loss lol.. I can be so goofy sometimes. Can time like just hurry up and be March 10 already? I have dinner waiting at home. I'm having lettuce, tomato salad with tofu.. mmmm how yummy. I'm actually really really looking forward to my salad. I've added a teeny bit of oatmeal to my morning and lunch shake (dietician said I could) but am not overdoing it. I'll post tomorrow, thank goodness for my RS I don't know what I'd do without y'all!! Updated on 28 Feb 2018: Omg sorry if this is annoying but I'm counting down til surgery day. My 3rd day pre op is almost over and again it isn't bad at all. Last night I had a salad and tofu for dinner, which I totally enjoyed. It was such a nice treat. Tonight we're having nopales.. Yes we eat cactus! But it's super good for you and healthy too I'm really looking forward to it. I weighed myself this morning (I know better...) but I'm down a lil over one lb, looking forward to losing many more by the 10th. Overall I've felt good physically, not tempted to eat bad stuff, protein shakes can get kinda bla but I really enjoy them. Anxiety isn't killing me today, guess cause my clients had me busy. Stay tuned for day 4. Updated on 2 Mar 2018: OMG time flies when you're having fun! Forgot to update yesterday. Days have been well. I continue to eat & drink as I am supposed to, I cheated ad weighed myself again today. I am happy to report that I am down 3 maybe 4 lbs??? The evening salad with a few chicken breast strips is such a nice treat! I haven't had sugar free pops, but am thinking I will. My dietician said I could have grapefruit and so I've made good on that fruit. It gets kind of boring and bla just having the same thing morning, noon and night but I can deal with it. I did tilapigus for a week when I did the boot camp. For those of you who don't know what tilapigus is, it is the most disgusting thing you can ever imagine! Just thinking about it makes me wanna gag and barf! Imagine eating tilapia & asparagus 5 times a day, morning, lunch, dinner and snacks..... it's like an emergency diet for the final week of boot camp. Anyhow, praise God I won't ever have to do something like tilapigus again. Anyway, check in with y'all tomorrow!! Updated on 3 Mar 2018: Hello fellow sleeve chicas, so here I am exactly 1 week pre op. Next week by this time I should be sleeved and over the first major hill. I can't begin to tell y'all how excited I am though you can probably tell by my daily countdown. Well here are my 1 week pre pictures. God I'll be so ch Las when the back fat rolls are gone!! Updated on 3 Mar 2018: Updated on 3 Mar 2018: Here are some before pictures.... I very seldom take full length pics cause I wanna hide all my fat. But as you can see, I'm very round in the middle and I hate it! When I got out I go way out of my way to find the blackest dress possible and I always wear spanx! Updated on 4 Mar 2018: Ok I'm almost dieing here, it's super surreal knowing that in 6 days I'll be sleeved. I weighed myself today (I thought I knew bettet) and I'm down 6lbs since I started my pre op, yay me! I'm going to church and pray for peace and tranquility. See y'all in a few. Updated on 4 Mar 2018: Updated on 5 Mar 2018: 8 days have come and gone. I am still doing fine on my pre op diet, enjoying the food and down 6 1/2lbs. It just occurred to me that in just about 5 nights I will be sleeved and will begin to discover the smaller version of ME that was hidden underneath all the layers of fluffy stuff. Momma decided to get a bunch of fat food (as I call it) from Sam's Club and you have no idea how much of a task it was to walk by the table when there's those hot dogs and soda all over. I eventually got over it and just enjoyed me another protein shake. I was a strong person to begin with, but am getting stronger by the minute in this house. Night y'all!! Updated on 10 Mar 2018: Good morning my fellow sleevers!! It is 6.45am and I am going to be making my way over to the surgery center in a tad. Check in is at 7.45, surgery 8.45. I slept very well last night, with help from sleeping pills :) I don't know how I feel yet, I know I'm excited but it hasn't set in yet. I do know that I'm hungry hungry hungry!!! Everything is gonna turn out ok it's just unknown at this point. Anywho, I'll update later once I'm awake and sleeved. Updated on 10 Mar 2018: Well, I was sent on my way without a sleeve because I happen to have a benign tumor in my head, which they need to have it medically cleared prior. Oh well, better safe than sorry! Updated on 13 Mar 2018: Hello fellow sleevers, yesterday I found out that the Neuro who's been following me retired last month. GEEZUS, REALLY??? So I was thinking that they Neuro on call would want to evaluate me prior to giving clearance. However, found out that he May clear me without eval because I have NO new neurological symptoms. I'm like praise the Lord! If that's the case I would likely have surgery on the 25th. In the meantime im still preop diet, gotta love my protein shake and yummy broth, haha Will keep y'all posted! Updated on 15 Mar 2018: So my new surgery date is 3/18/18 check in timebis 12.45. Still am excited, it's just that the first time we practiced this I ended up being totally disillusioned. I'm ready to meet the smaller version of me but feel kinda meh. Maybe I feel meh cause I'm so darn weak??? When my Dr spoke about weakness last week I was thinking he was playing. Well I can totally verify this is real. Well check in on Sunday y'all. Updated on 17 Mar 2018: I suppose this time is FOR REAL FOR REAL, I'm kinda getting a tad anxious but am doing a good job of keeping it suppressed to a minimum (haha good thing I'm a therapist!) Anyhow not gonna bombard my fellow sleeve sistahs with too many pictures today just wanna share how I am feeling. Not looking forward to not eating til Monday but then again I think I'll be happy to not eat period!! I kinda have mixed feelings about the surgery right now, maybe cause it isn't real??? Updated on 18 Mar 2018: Hello sleeve sisters. I had my procedure earlier today. I feel fine, Dr Sedrak is an absolute angel. The only thing is the gas pain. I've had ice chips for food. I swear I wanna take a huge gulp! Moving makes it better, praise God! Tomorrow I start delicious Isopure, so looking forward to it. Overall I'm giving my Dr and process 20 stars! Updated on 25 Mar 2018: Hello my fellow sleevers, well today I am 1 week Post Op, feeling like a brand new person! This week I am down 5lbs, bringing my total weight loss since starting pre op diet to 18lbs. My goal for the next week is to stay far away from my scale. I've been walking every morning, and my step goal is 5000 steps a day, which I easily meet and exceed after my morning walk. I have a family party later on today and that should be interesting. I also have a wedding in May, and was looking at dresses (I know it is way to soon to even think about buying anything to wear, but I did see this super cute metallic gray dress that would look nice on me once I am not fat :). Anyhow, I do see a difference in my face and belly these days, like I actually have cheek bones once again! skinny me is starting to peek her face from around the corner and I LIKE it!!! Updated on 31 Mar 2018: Hello sleeve sisters, have not posted in about 1 week (I'm guessing the stalking is over) but just thought I'd give ya'll updated stats: HW 234 SW 221 CW 215 GW 160 Yes siree, I'm down 19lbs since the very onset of my pre op, since surgery it's been 6lbs. Hell I prefer slow and steady versus losing a ton of weight from one day to the next. I feel amazing! I could finally breathe! I'm healing beautifully and will be back at work on 4.9.18. I can't say enough just how blessed I was to have come across Dr. Sedrak on my search. I'm scheduled to see him next week, I also start on the next stage of the diet on Monday. Otherwise all is well and not much to report. See ya'll next update!! Updated on 1 Apr 2018: To start the month off clean here are my stats: HW: 234 SW: 221 CW: 213 GW: 160 Oh yay! There was some serious backlog in the waste dept ;) but we got rid of 2lbs. But I did cheat I was supposed to weigh in today not yesterday. Anyhow, Slow and steady wins the race! Updated on 7 Apr 2018: Well today was my 2 week visit. Against my wishes I weighed myself to report and I am down 10lbs post op, 23lbs since pre op. That sounds a lil insane to me, but hey I'll take it! I feel amazing and am go in my back to work on Monday. I am doing well in the nutrition dept, it just feels like a lil too much food. One complaint I have about the diet is the constipation due to high protein. I do drink the reccomend amo uh not of water but it keeps happening. Otherwise I am as happy as a clam with nothing else to report. See ya'll next week!! Updated on 8 Apr 2018: Ok ok so today is Officially my 2 weeks: HW: 234 SW: 221 CW: 211 I've attached a picture to compare the belly from right before to now Updated on 11 Apr 2018: Met with my primary dr today, who is such an awesome dr and totally on my team! Once my weight loss stabilizes he will refer me to plastic surgery for excess skin removal. Don't wanna get too excited cause my trip just started, but yay! Updated on 15 Apr 2018: Hello RS'ers!!! Well as of today my weight is 208, woo mother f'ing hoo!!! HW: 234 SW: 221 CW: 208 I looked in the mirror this morning and felt a renewed sense of hope for the fat situation. I cant get over how amazing and healthy I feel!! On that note I went back to work last Monday, going back was great and I missed my clients. See ya'll next week! Updated on 22 Apr 2018: Good morning beautiful people! This weeks' stats are as follows: HW: 234 SW: 221 CW: 206 15lbs post op and 28lbs since 2/26. I'm going to start working out this week also. I feel so, extremely good and healthy. A word of advice to anyone THINKING about getting the gastric sleeve, just do it. This is something you will NOT regret. Check in next week y'all. Updated on 22 Apr 2018: Updated on 29 Apr 2018: GM rs'ers! Stats for the week are as follows: SW: 221 CW: 204 17lbs lost during post op, 30lbs lost total!!! This last week I started doing some core work as well as cardio. Soon enough I'll be back at the gym getting my lift on ;) I cant get over how healthy I feel!! And I could breathe and tie my shoes at the same time! Lol sounds silly but it's true. Updated on 1 May 2018: Well I started doing cardio last week and let me tell you I feel even more amazing than I did before!!! My boss was telling me today that I'm starting to get the hourglass silhouette.. see I knew she was hiding under the layers of fluff!!! I'm hanging on to my clothes and won't buy new clothes for a couple of weeks... Updated on 6 May 2018: Today is exactly 6 weeks to the day i was sleeved and born again. I'm down 17lbs post op and 13lbs pre op bringing me to these numbers HW: 234 SW:221 CW: 204 GW: 155 And Praise God!!!! In summary, I feel so healthy, so good, so energetic. I have a new outlook on my life and health. It's about eating healthy and making wise choices in food and incorporating physical activity. I'm still doing my cardio and planks and literally feel fat melting when I do. The sleeve is the best, smartest choice I have ever made! My only regret is having waited til I was 41 to get it. But in hindsight I think I am much more emotionally mature now than I was then and probably would've continued making dumb food choices. In the past I would say that getting my boobs was a wise investment, perhaps it was cause it evened me out but didn't lead me to make healthy choices. This surgery is, by far, the SMARTEST decision and investment I could have ever made. Not only cause it's helping me lose weight, it's also motivating me to eat smart. I wouldn't change anything about my trip here. One of my friends (20+ yrs) turned me into the idea of having this surgery done. And that girl I cannot thank enough!!!! I'll update in a month, maybe 2, who knows. BUT TO ANYONE CONSIDERING THIS SURGERY, IT IS A TOOL YOU WILL NOT REGRET!!!! *A side note, this will be the last elective surgery I pay for, thank God! Kaiser is gonna cover my skin removal when the time comes. Updated on 17 May 2018: It's been 2 months since my procedure. Stats: HW 234 SW 221 CW 200 GW 155 I'm down from a pant size 20-22 to maaybe 14, with wiggle room left. I'm averaging -2lbs a week, I haven't experienced a stall (praise God), I've been doing 22 minutes cardio 6x week. I feel amazing! I've earned the nick name "The incredible shrinking girl" I love it. This is like a dream come true. Granted I still have about 45/50 lbs left to go, I wouldn't change the process for the world. My arms are down, face is way down like I have nice cheek bones again! My belly has decreased substantially. Have back fat but nowhere near what I did 34lbs ago. I can cross my legs and keep them crossed without feeling like my belly is in the way. My ads has diminished as well, but I can live without an ass, it's wide anyway. Updated on 27 May 2018: It's been 9 weeks, stats are HW 234 SW 221 CW 196 GW 155 I am pleased to report that I no longer have to throw down to get my spanx on, matter of fact, I may be in need of smaller size. Overall everything is great! Eating a normalish diet, just very careful to not overdo it or put the wrong thing in my mouth. Quality over Quantity is where my mindset is these days. We wouldn't change the process for the world. Updated on 3 Jun 2018: HW 234 SW 221 CW 195 GW 155 Wait for it, wait for it... 39lbs lost!!! Omg nothing I could've accomplished on just diet and exercise. I only lost 1lb this last week cause I haven't been exercising, I still lost and for that I am ecstatic!!! I kind of enjoyed an 8th of a slice of pizza last week and dont think I'll be doing that again any time soon. Nothing against pizza, but it's so easy to overdo it. Now that I'm eating human food now I find I cant consume enough protein on food alone. I'm drinking lots of protein coffee these days and i dont mind it cause I'm petrified of hair loss. Otherwise, all is well and hunky dory. I am over the moon with my weight loss. Belly comparison pictures will come again soon. Updated on 17 Jun 2018: I'm pleased to show that I no longer have the big fat flap (cootchie cover). Granted I still have something it isn't the hideous sight it previously was. Today I'm at: HW: 234 SW: 221 CW:192 I'm 3 months post op, and just this week I have noticed a little more hair falling out.. I have emailed the dietitian and just received my reorder of collagen peptides, and will double up on my biotin and B vitamins.. that's some scary [RS bleep]! I still have the energy but have noticed this weekend that I feel drained early on, and I'll email my PCP about it cause i feel too good to feel bad :( Otherwise still super pleased with the surgery and progression. Updated on 24 Jun 2018: Sunday is my normal weigh in day (this week I cheated and have weighed myself almost every other day) but I'm currently at 190lbs!!! I haven't been this weight since...... yeah that tells you how long it's been. I am down 31lbs post op and 44lbs total!!!!! I cant believe this. 35lbs more to reach my goal weight and I don't know what I'll do with myself after that but I'll figure it out. I'm just a tad over 3 months out.... I cannot believe this, I really really cant. This surgery has been a huge blessing. Yes I went thru some very shitty times, the lack of food sucked, protein drinks get nasty but I've always maintained that the end would justify the means. I'm nowhere near the end but pretty damn close. Updated on 1 Jul 2018: Well I know many fellow sleevers experience a weight loss stall very early on, I am pleased to say that I have consistently lost 1-2lbs per week since my VSG. This week being my 14th(??) week out I stood at 190lbs. I was kind of upset but then looked at the scale again and said 1-freaking 90!!!!! I haven't been below 200 since my son was born (14years ago). Maybe disappointed that I didn't drop to the 180's but over the moon nonetheless. I've gotten lazy and stopped doing my cardio, mainly doing a lil resistance training. And I will, I will.... Updated on 8 Jul 2018: Another week that I'm still at 190lbs, but I've maintained so YAY Me!!! As well found out I may be a tad anemic. My hair has been falling out more, I feel super weak at times, I get the headaches and cant concentrate (more than I previously couldn't). I'm waiting for PCP to email my action plan to address the iron. In the meantime I discovered Mung Beans! They are not only delicious but are stacked with nutrients and ANTI everythings & so high in iron too!!! I feel too good to feel bad, but at least I can sleep more than 4hrs since I go to bed so tired. If I lose any weight in the coming week I'll let y'all know. Updated on 15 Jul 2018: Goood morning sleevers!! Jumped on the scale and to my surprise I'm 189. I've only list 1lb this month but I'm super ok with that, just happy to have lost. Still waiting on action plan from dr to combat low iron and hair loss. I find that when I consume iron rich food, namely legumes, my hair falls out less. I mean I dont lose a ton of hair, but it's more than i previously did and that's scary. So for now focusing on protein and iron. I dont feel as weak as i did a few weeks ago, but weak nonetheless. Over all o am over the moon about my progress thus far and dont have a regret about it! HW 234 SW 221 CW 189 GW 155 Updated on 22 Jul 2018: So this week I lost ounces, I went from 189.6 to 189.0, and I'm happy with the half pound I lost. Hair loss continues, though not as bad as it was early in July. My PCP said I'm taking all the right measures (biotin, collagen, collagen peptides, protein, iron) now I just have to wait. I'm ok with it, I know it shall pass. My energy level is still about the same, I still feel really good despite being tired. Have a good week y'all! Updated on 24 Jul 2018: Updated on 12 Aug 2018: So after stalling for lord knows how long, stats are as follows: HW 234 SW 221 CW 187 GW 155 45lbs total and 33lbs since surgery in March. I feel magnificent, not a regret in the world. The hair loss is tapering down. Be careful and mindful of your iron levels Sleeve Sisters!!! Since my iron is low I've lost hair, felt super weak and crave chocolate (when I dont like chocolate). I'm working diligently on it and I swear I'm gonna start exercising shortly. Otherwise all is well in ONEderland. Updated on 17 Aug 2018: From last Tuesday... I'm about 30lbs away from my goal weight. According to the lose it app I'll be there by December 2018. Te oday isn't my normal weigh in day but I'm due for a picture. Belly comparisons coming too.. Updated on 19 Aug 2018: Again at 5 months post op and I'm now weighing 186lbs. Still 30lbs away from goal weight. The hair loss has slowed but it is noticeable that my hair has thinned out. This too shall pass I know. Otherwise all is A ok and I still wouldn't change this for the world! Updated on 2 Sep 2018: Good morning RealSelf world!! Starting month off clean, numbers are as follows: HW: 234 SW: 221 CW: 184 GW: 155 I'm torn on what goal weight I should stick with. At 160 I'll look fine and healthy, but will still have overweight BMI. At 155 I'll be normal but am afraid I'll be too skinny.. if feel really good, I can breathe and tie my shoes at the same time, don't huff and puff when I walk and talk. This is the best tool ever. My cousin has started looking into the surgery now that she's seeing my success and hears of how healthy I feel. My hair has stopped falling out in chunks, I'm back to a couple of strands! I'll have my iron checked again in a month or 2, but I've been really good about keeping iron intake up. My skin looks better than ever, my nails are strong, I'm strong. Overall, GREAT!!! Updated on 8 Sep 2018: Yay me, but I still need to exercise! Not foreseeing liss for weigh in day, but I'm super excited nonetheless! I'd been weighing 184ish all week (I'm horrible, but weighing myself is now exciting and not depressing). Amending goal weight to 158, so I'm happy that it's even closer now. Updated on 16 Sep 2018: So today is weigh in day and I was pleasantly surprised, even tho I weigh myself everyday, to see that I'm at 182lbs. That's 52 lbs of [RS bleep] that is permanently gone! The last time I remember weighing this was back in the 90s. Yesterday I watched the fight and kept my legs crossed the entire time. It felt amazing to be able to breathe and so that for such a long period of time. Anyhow, have a great day sleeve family!! Updated on 22 Sep 2018: Not sure how long it's been since my life was forever changed for the better but thought I'd share a lil Saturday picture. Sadly my ass is nonexistent, but happily my gut is going there as well. I would much rather have a flat ass as long as the stomach was going too. Updated on 7 Oct 2018: Good morning y'all!! I am super pleased to share my monthly numbers with you: HW: 234 SW: 221 CW: 181 GW: 158 According to the Lose It! App I should reach my goal weight in December, surreal that it's like 2 months away. Everything is hunky dory, my energy is kinda back, hair loss is resolved, still working on my iron. I cannot stress just how glad I am I used this tool! All I can do is show my progress and encourage anyone even remotely considering this Updated on 28 Oct 2018: Hello RSers!!! well I've maintained my weight at 180 for the last couple of weeks and I've decided to once again adjust my goal weight to 160lbs. I feel 20lbs more will be perfect. Right now I'm at 180lbs which is -53lbs from my starting weight and 40lbs from my SW. It's been 7mos since surgery and I couldn't be more excited about my progress and things to come. HW 234 SW 221 CW 180 GW 160 Updated on 28 Oct 2018: I'm wearing a cardigan over tank top but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd wear something like this! I've maintained my weight at 180 for the last couple of weeks and I've decided to once again adjust my goal weight to 160lbs. I feel 20lbs more will be perfect. Right now I'm at 180lbs which is -53lbs from my starting weight and 40lbs from my SW. It's been 7mos since surgery and I couldn't be more excited about my progress and things to come. HW 234 SW 221 CW 180 GW 160 Updated on 4 Nov 2018: Good morning RS world! To start month off clean numbers are as follows: HW 234 SW 221 CW 179 GW 160 I am in total disbelief at the progress I've made in 7 months time. I am excited to be 19lbs away from my goal weight and was eveeven thinking of adjusting it one last time, to 165lbs. That was my normal weight prior to putting all this fluff on. I'm going back to pcp this month to have my iron and other nutrient levels checked. I'm also having my 7 month visit with dr sedrak next week. After having lost a total of 55lbs, I dont have much if any lose skin, PTL! Anyway, I dont think I'm ready for tummy tuck, nor will I be anytime soon. Not physically but emotionally ready. Long story. Anyhow, just thought I'd provide update. Have a great day ya'll!!! Updated on 10 Nov 2018: I'm 7 months post op, thought I'd share a lil comparison picture. It's a trip how much of a difference 1 month makes. Not much change weight wise, and I'm happy about the difference I can actually see in pictures that I can't see when I look in the mirror. Updated on 18 Nov 2018: Today I'm still at 178, I fluctuate between 179 and 178. I'm down 55lbs and I've lost about 62% of my excess weight. I've again adjusted my goal weight to 165lbs cause I'm just scared of losing too much weight and looking all sucked up. If I get to that weight I'll have lost 73% of my excess weight. Other than that nothing new to report. All is well here in onederland. Updated on 16 Dec 2018: GM RS world! I dont remember when last update was but as of today, 9mos after surgery, I'm 16lbs away from goal weight. HW 234 SW 221 CW 176 GW 160 My diet is normal ish except I incorporate lots of protein and iron. I'm keeping the habits I adopted early on, just to ensure I dont end up gaining back what I struggled and sacrificed immensely to lose. Updated on 16 Dec 2018: These are pics from this morning. And I hadn't realized my goal weight is adjusted to 165 so I'm 11lbs away!!!! The weight loss is down to 2lbs per month, if that, but I'm super happy. My BMI still is overweight, but I've honestly never felt better or healthier in my life. Updated on 23 Dec 2018: Today at weigh in I'm 175lbs, 10lbs away from my adjusted goal weight and 59lbs dow. From SW back in March. I'm now snugly wearing a size 10 pants, L top. I'm losing 3-4lbs a month. My eating habits have remained pretty much the same since I resumed eating human food. The missing piece is exercising. I've started doing arm exercises and I hope to stick to them cause the last thing I wanna do is end up having more surgery for arm lift. Not sure I'll ever be emotionally ready for tummy tuck (long story). As you can see in picture, my ass is non existent, but I'd rather have that along with stomach gone over having both. I'm down to minus over 60% of my excess weight. Once I reach goal weight next year I'll be at over 80% EWL. Im so loving this. Goal for next few months is get my arms firm. Updated on 6 Jan 2019: Hello RS world! I am so torn on what goal weight i should shoot for. As of today I'm down 60lbs total and I feel better than I've ever felt. I need to address things like my flat ass and arms, which I am doing, since 12/30. Other than my arms I dont really have loose skin. This new year is bringing many changes that I need tk adjust to and deal with prior to committingto anything else for myself. That is not to say that I wont a dress i just have to prioritize. But my first update of the year: HW 234 SW 221 CW 174 GW ??? My year is coming up bbn in March and i look forward to seeing how much weight is lost in a year.
One concern for going abroad is that standards may be different than in the US. Here you describe a situation where the surgeon performed an operation different from the one you consented to. To find out after the operation was lucky as you can imagine that you would never have known if he didn’t tell you after the fact. You will not have a satisfactory outcome. Nobody ever loses too much weight if the surgery is done correctly. Get it fixed by someone else
You would be better served to do your sleeve BEFORE any kind of plastic or reconstructive surgery including breast reduction. Otherwise your results will just not be optimal. So do it the other way around from what you’re planning in your description.
In general, insurance companies provide coverage for weight loss surgery if BMI is greater than 40, or if bmi is between 35 and 40 if there are weight related comorbid conditions.
A known complication of gastric bypass is fistula from the gastric pouch to the gastric remnant. It sounds like this is what the CT scan you had is describing. If this is the case, the treatment is an operation to repair and close the fistula. You need to consult with a very experienced surgeon who is familiar with treatment of these complications
It should be safe to have abdominal surgery with a VP shunt. This could be something to confirm with your neurosurgeon but it should be totally fine. VP shunts are placed by- guess what- abdominal surgery (including laparoscopic). Bariatric surgery can improve something called pseudotumor cerebri, which means-guess what- can help decrease intracranial pressure. I would say, start with your neurosurgeon for confirmation or clarification. Then with that information you can reach out to a Bariatric surgeon and the two surgeons can collaborate as well
