Robert Zane, MD

On Monday 1/21/19 I had my consultation for my referral to bariatric team 2 days later referral has been approved and my orientation is scheduled for 2/6/19! Sooo ready to start this journey.
I am 41 5”1 and weighing 217lbs ugh! Heaviest I have ever been in my entire life even full blown pregnant so I am more than ready to get this new life going. Like many I have tried every diet, fad, pill known to mankind and NONE of that has been sustainable so I am taking this drastic measure to get my life back under control. I barely qualify for this procedure as my BMI sits right at 40 and I have no Co-Morbities so essentially I’m a HEALTHY FAT PERSON when it comes to lab results and so forth but I’m certainly FAR from healthy at 217 lbs. I decided to document my journey because I have researched this procedure for two whole years and being able to follow others journeys has helped me tremendously.

Updated on 6 Feb 2019:
Had my 1st of 12 week classes required by my insurance so my expected surgery date should be some time in May 2019 I’m so excited and ready for a second chance at life without all this excess weight!
Updated on 22 Mar 2019:
I am half way through my 12 week program and things are going well! I have to do a sleep study at home tonight and I had my psych evaluation today as well. I discovered that I truly do eat when I’m bored or when I’m stagnant so I am going to have to do better with being mindful of mindless eating. I have been meal prepping for two weeks now and that’s really working out well for me along with meal replacement shakes for breakfast. 6 more classes and 10 more lbs to lose and I will be referred to a surgeon. I can’t wait to be on the losers bench



Updated on 3 Apr 2019:
Hello Real selfers just an update.
I took a sleep study and I indeed have sleep apnea so waiting for my CPAP machine I’m hoping this will help the scale move down a little more when I’m able to get proper sleep. I have 4 more mandated classes and then I will be referred to a surgeon. I cannot wait to be on the sleeved side.

Updated on 3 Apr 2019:


Updated on 30 Apr 2019:
Finalized my 12 week mandated pre-reqs now I wait for my referral to the surgeon! Getting closer to my new life I’m so excited!

Updated on 30 Apr 2019:
Down 12 of the 22 required lbs pre-surgery!

Updated on 5 May 2019:
I have my appt with my surgeon on Monday May 6th if all goes as planned we will be scheduling my surgery

Updated on 6 May 2019:
Wooohoooooo I met with surgeon today and he scheduled me for May 22nd! I am soooo extremely happy and excited to have a new tummy on the day before my 42nd birthday! This journey has been a long time coming but from my initial appt in January to now these past 5 months have been amazing and everything has gone so smoothly thus far! Cheers to a successful surgery and a new life!

Updated on 13 May 2019:
It’s becoming so real I have my pre-op appt tomorrow I have lost 13lbs total pre-op and am ready for my surgery next Wednesday May 22nd I am sooooo ready to be on the other side of this. This week has been nerve wrecking bc I’m trying not to gain an ounce but I’m also trying to enjoy some of my favorites before I have to say goodbye to them for good. Wish me luck

Updated on 21 May 2019:
Omg it’s almost time! Surgery is tomorrow this has been such a smooth process and I am so ready mentally, physically and emotionally! Thank you real selfers for sharing your journeys it helped me tremendously! I promise to do the same as I’m sure my journey will help others as well!

Updated on 22 May 2019:
Hello fellow real selfers I am checking in for my surgery I will see you all on the other side!

Updated on 24 May 2019:
Hello all surgery went well! They did discover a hiatal hernia and repair was done which caused me a lot of discomfort post op I’m still in the hospital 2 days later but I am finally able to drink and walk so I will probably be discharged today! Gas pain has been horrible I’m finally passing it thank goodness! I was on a lot of pain meds but now I have tapered off of them. My incisions are not bothering me at all. So far so good no regrets

Updated on 25 May 2019:
Still having a hard time getting all of my fluids in bc I fill up so quickly. I have not felt hunger at yet. The gas pain has mostly gone away and I can swallow a lot easier now. I have lost 3 lbs post op so far. Incisions Seem to be healing quite nicely

Updated on 31 May 2019:
Hello all just wanted to update my followers. I am doing well I am 9 days post op and very happy with progress thus far I am down 17lbs I’m 9 days and I’m able to get about 48oz of liquid down and also consuming about 4-6 total oz a day in puréed foods. My incisions have heeled and my energy is coming back quite nicely. I have been cleared to exercise and today was my first water Zumba class.

Updated on 31 May 2019:
I did develop an allergic reaction to the surgical glue but dr prescribed 2.5% cortisone lotion and all is well.

Updated on 5 Jun 2019:
Down 19 lbs from surgery day! I am physically about 80% back to normal, I still get tired quickly but I have about 4-6 hours worth of daily energy which is great. My incisions are completely healed with minor scabbing and rash is better. I am now consuming about 8-10oz of puréed foods per day and I get about 50 oz of fluids in per day. I am working out daily now and I am getting stronger emotionally and mentally as well Thank God! I don’t have any regrets with my decision to have this surgery as it has started to give me a better quality of life. This is not a quick fix by any means this surgery allowed me to have a tool that will allow me to obtain sustainable results for the rest of my life as long as I take full advantage of it and I plan on doing just that! I still have to eat right and workout regularly. I look forward to a healthy, happy me???????? thank you for following me on my journey of transparency through my bariatric surgery and beyond.

Updated on 14 Jun 2019:
I am feeling wonderful I have no pain at all I am consuming 48oz of fluid I’m still eating puréed foods mostly fat free refried beans and poached eggs and yogurt bc that’s really all I can tolerate. I take my vitamins and I work out daily I am down 21lbs from surgery day. I have a lot of energy now and I will be returning to work next week. I am very happy with my decision no regrets AT ALL!

Updated on 20 Jun 2019:
I’m feeling great I’m still only getting about 48oz of fluid in but I’m consuming about 300 calories of food a day still in the purée stage but I’m doing well. Energy is back to normal and I workout every day. I am returning to work in 3 days. This has been the best thing I could have ever done for my health. I’m looking forward to meeting with my dietician tomorrow for some ideas on how to get some more meals in since I rarely hungry. I did hit a stall at week 2.5 that lasted about a week once I forced myself to eat more I lost 3 lbs in 4 days. My total weight lost from surgery day is 23 lbs with an overall loss of 32 lbs including pre-op. No regrets at all!

Updated on 13 Oct 2019:
I know it’s been a while but I wanted to check in and share my progress. I am 5 months post op down a total of 58 pounds, I am learning how to live in my new body and I am embracing every moment of it. I am so glad I had the gastric sleeve as I am regaining my life back and I feel amazing. I consume between 700-800 calories per day and 60 fl oz of liquid mainly water. I do not consume any alcohol, red meat or very many starches as my tiny tummy doesn’t like them. I have experienced hair loss so I cut my hair to shoulder length which was a cut of about 8 inches my hair loss has been more like a constant shed so more like thinning have not experienced bald spots. My body is changing so rapidly that I can’t even believe it at times. My energy level is amazing and I work out daily. I have about 13 more pounds to go to hit my goal and I’m sure I’m going to pass that goal within the next month or so. I take my vitamins like I am supposed to also. My overall experience through this vsg journey has been great I have zero regrets

Updated on 13 Oct 2019:
I’m at my clothing size goal

Updated on 5 Nov 2019:
Just a quick update I am 6 months post op and have lost a total of 60 pounds I am at my goal weight and all probably lose a little more since I still have another 6 months before I reach the 1 year mark which is where they say you start to stabilize. I will work with my dietician in order to regain and maintain a weight between 150-160lbs. I am experiencing hair loss but in more of a shedding fashion no bald spots, I am eating about 800 calories per day with fish and chicken and eggs being my main go to's I drink about 48 ounces of water and I eat lots of veggies. I am having a hard time getting my supplements in Bc I always forget smh! I feel fabulous and don't regret this lifestyle one bit

Updated on 7 Nov 2019:


Updated on 15 Nov 2019:
Hair loss is real but for me I have more shedding and thinning rather than bald spots so it’s not too noticeable by others only by me

Updated on 9 Jan 2020:
Feeling amazing as I am 7 months post op and have lost a total of 66 pounds just 13 lbs away from where my doctor wants me to be this journey has been a whirlwind of emotions but I am so happy with the person I am becoming in every aspect. I have no regrets and have had no major complications thus far. I have experienced the norm such as hair loss, lack of nutrient absorption and minor fatigue but nothing that can’t or hasn’t been manageable. This was the best thing I could have ever done for myself! I am getting a second chance at life and I will not waste it this go around!

Updated on 22 Apr 2020:
Welp today makes 11 months post op and this is still the most amazing decision I have ever made! I am healthy, I am happy and I am following the plan.
I am able to consume a little more than before so I am able to actually hit my protein, water and supplements goals without feeling disgustingly full all of the time. I still have a lot of restriction but I have really learned my limits and at times I push it and my tiny tummy reminds me who is in charge.
I am still losing hair but it’s growing at the same time such a weird cycle. I am just 10 pounds away from my surgeons weight goal for me but I am actually at my weight goal of 150 lbs. I have lost a total of 70 pounds and I am very very happy with my results! No regrets AT ALL! I took control of my life back and through this surgery and continued healthy eating and lost of exercise I am healthier than I have ever been in my entire adulthood

Updated on 15 May 2020:
I am just a week and a half shy of my 1 year post op and I am tremendously happy with my decision to have this surgery and very please with my results. I have reached my personal weight goal of 150 pounds and I’m just 9 pounds away from where my surgeon wanted me! I am eating about 8-12 ounces of food in one sitting just depending on how dense the food is and I consume close to 60 ounces of fluid each day! I am now an active runner and run 2-4 miles 4-5 times a week! My only regret is not having done this sooner!

Updated on 11 Feb 2021:
Hello all just wanted to stop by and give a brief update of how I am doing almost 2 years post op. I still have restriction but not terribly tight like in the 1st year this is when the real work and the real discipline is coming into play. I am able to consume the meal size of a kids meal but still cannot finish it. I exercise 4-6 times a week so I am very physically active which has helped me maintain the great results I have. I hit my goal weight about a year ago and have been in maintenance mode for the past 8 months. I am approved to have a panniculectomy however I have decided to wait until Covid is under control as I live in Los Angeles county and it’s very high here. Anyway I am experiencing a second round of hair loss like I did at 6 months post op but it’s not unbearable. I also do my best to take my vitamins but that is probably the hardest thing I struggle to do. I usually hit all my protein goals but I also struggle with my water goals I’m a work in progress and this is truly a lifestyle and your tool ONLY WORKS IF YOU DO! I do not experience dumping syndrome anymore however if I stuff my pouch I will vomit. I am sorry for the graphic but just being honest anyway I still feel like this was the best thing for me o have zero regrets. My total weight loss goal set by my surgeon was 80 pounds in which i lost all of it so my start weight 223lbs my new weight 145 lbs

Updated on 23 Jun 2021:
I am 2 years post op and I feel amazing. I have lost a total of 80 pounds and have maintained that weight loss for over a year and a half now. I am able to eat a little more these days but still the amount of a young child. I exercise 4-5 a week by running or biking and I am very active 7 days a week in some way. I am having a mini tummy tuck performed next month and I’m very excited to have this skin removal done as I have earned this new body with the help of my tool and consistency with eating properly and exercise. I still have zero regrets only regret I have is not doing this much sooner but just like everything I trust that this happened when it was supposed to happen. I am forever grateful for my tool and the life it has given me!

Updated on 14 Jul 2021:
After two years of successfully maintaining weight loss from my vsg surgery I have just had a panniculectomy with belly button reposition completed. I am only 3 days post op so I am still very sore and unable to move comfortably but I am very happy with my results so far. I had a total of 4 lbs of excess skin removed.

Updated on 21 Jul 2021:
I am one week post op my panniculectomy and belly button reposition I am still extremely fatigued but the pain level is a 2 on a scale of 1-10. I am still not able to sleep well as I have to sleep on my back in a flexed position. I did have one drain removed and the other will be removed in another week. I am very happy with my results so far even though I still have extreme swelling I can already see I am going to be even more happy once that subsides. This was the final piece of the weight loss journey for me and now I will continue to live my new lifestyle.

Updated on 29 Jul 2021:
Updating photos of my panniculectomy done 2.5 weeks ago.
I am starting to gain energy I have had both drains removed. One 8 days post op and the second one removed on day 15. I am still very numb on my tummy and legs go numb often which is deemed normal due to the many nerves that were cut.

Updated on 20 Sep 2021:
I feel great, body is getting stronger. I still have some numbness but dr says that’s totally normal I don’t have any pain except every now and then I’ll get shooting pains which also is normal according to the dr as the nerves regrow. Overall I am very happy with my results.
I finally have a bikini bod that I am proud of

Updated on 26 Apr 2022:
I am a few weeks shy of being 3 years post op and I have never felt better about my decision to have vsg and my panniculectomy. I have truly gained a WHOLE NEW LIFE! I’m happy, I’m healthy and I am in the best shape of my life. For anyone contemplating getting this surgery I can only say one thing! JUST DO IT!!!!! My restriction is still going strong although I can eat a lot more than in the first year I’m still only able to eat child size portions and that’s a great thing. I don’t drink alcohol or soda but I do drink juice and seltzer water from time to time. I also enjoy sweets with lots of moderation when I’m craving it but as a whole I am sticking to the plan. I am very active I run 60 miles per month and I ride my bike 30-40 miles per month. I used this second chance at life and I am not wasting a moment of it. Good luck to everyone

Tomorrow will be 1 week that I have had my surgery. I'm feeling great. I can't wait until Wednesday for my post -op and those staples out. I haven't had any problems at all. I was a little nauseous when I got into my room, but it passed in a hour. I never got sick. I was up walking 6 hours after surgery. All of the exercising paid off before having surgery. Strength training, and the cardio really helped me to a fast recovery. I did everything the doctor told me and followed the class instructions. It is hard getting all the liquids in, but I have kept bottle of water next to my bed. I basically carry a bottle of water with me at all times. I started at 296 pounds in December, and weighed 273 on the day of my surgery. I weighed myself today and was at 269. I'm walking 30-60 minutes daily. I am excited to see where this journey is going.

Updated on 7 Jul 2015:
I'm down 40 pounds in 3 months. I feel great!!! Exercising, sleeping, and just being happy. I feel like my old self again. I am so excited to see the next 40 pounds off!

Updated on 16 Dec 2015:
I stated this diet 1 year ago today. I saw this picture and that was it for me. I had surgery the end on March and this is me today December 2015. 85 pounds down and 40 to go. I have had a lot of ups and downs but I feel the best I've felt in 30 years. I am the happiest that I have ever been!