POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
18 Months and 194 Pounds Gone... WLS Saved my Life. Carrollton, TX
ORIGINAL POST
This is going to be pretty long as I want to share...
WORTH IT$2,500
This is going to be pretty long as I want to share as much as I can about my journey for anyone thinking about surgery, or has any questions. PLEASE feel free to ask anything. I am not shy, and will probably overshare! lol
I had thought about having WLS previously, but never was able to afford having the procedure. A friend of mine had the sleeve, and was doing very well. So, I really started looking at my life. I was 367 pounds, my Dr. was talking about changing my diabetes meds again, and maybe starting me on insulin as the 3 different meds I was on were not doing the job anymore. I was also on high blood pressure meds, and high cholesterol meds. I was not able to walk more than a block without being in a lot of pain. I met with a few different surgeons and decided to have my procedure with the same Dr. my friend went to.. and he was wonderful. Dr. Veninga in Carrollton, TX really took the time with me during our 1st meeting. I was able to ask everything I could imagine, and he explained everything in detail.
My insurance approved my surgery after doing 3 months of Dr supervised diet, a pysc eval, and a meeting with a nutritionist. I had my surgery on 4/10/13. I remember when Dr. V came in to talk with me the next day (I was really out of it the day of surgery) I was very disappointed when he said my stomach was much bigger than he expected, and so my pouch was larger than he planned. I really thought this would make a difference in my being successful. (I was wrong BTW). I also had 7 incisions, instead of the 4 or 5 he had said it would be and the surgery took 2 hours longer than planned as well. I also ended up staying 2 nights in the hospital, when only one night was planned. Not because of any complication, but I had not passed gas... the anesthesia took me a while to get over.
Once home I really was not in A LOT of pain, but I did sleep in a recliner the 1st night at home. Then it was at least a week before I could sleep on my side. The hardest thing for me was trying to get enough water in during the day... the 1st couple of weeks there is NO WAY I could get even close to my goal. I remember the 1st day I could have soft foods... I was so excited. I made an egg. I ate about 1/2 of it, and was full.... I looked at the 2 bites or so that were left, and the OLD me still very much in my head... so, don't leave that.. and I quickly ate it... it was ONLY 2 bites... UM..... THAT WAS PAINFUL! I don't throw up easily. Never have... but how I WISHED I could at that moment. It felt like when you swallow a chip and it feels like it is cutting you inside out then you have a gas bubble under it.... just something I learned VERY QUICKLY to not do... OVEREAT!
I went back to work after 3 weeks, I could have gone after 2, but was glad I took the extra week. Over the next several months the weight fell off... within 6 months I had lost over 100 pounds. I started to exercise some, walking and going to the gym. I could move and it didn't hurt. I stuck to my Dr.'s plan with my diet very closely for the 1st year. I didn't have bread, pasta, or rice (except once I tried sushi, and rice swells... OUCH). I didn't drink soda, which before I was truly addicted to... every morning like many people have coffee. Dr. V was impressed how much restriction I still had at my year follow up. I could not eat an entire lean cuisine... maybe 1/2. I truly believe it was because I stuck to avoiding anything that would contribute to my pouch stretching.
In the last 6 months, I do have some bread... usually just a couple of bites with a sandwich then I just eat the insides. I will have a sip or two of soda, but have yet to have a whole drink. I have become addicted to coffee... still need my morning fix! (now, if I could kick the creamer we would be kicking a$$). I allow myself too many sweets from time to time, and the last few months I starting slipping more and more, and my exercise has fallen off. I have only lost 9 pounds in 3 months. Which is still good, but I know it could have been better. So, I am getting back to what works for me. It is an effort everyday, but an effort that is worth it.....
Now, to back up a bit. Right after the surgery, my PCP took me off of one of my diabetes meds. She cut my BP meds in 1/2 within 30 days. Within 3 months I was off ALL of my meds. I did not have any problems for the 1st year, my labs were always great. I take a multi vitamin, calcium, and B12 once a week. (though I have stopped the B12, and should probably start again). In June of this year I started having a pain after I ate in the upper right of my abdomen, right by my ribs. I was pretty sure this was gallbladder pain, from what others had described. it started on a Monday.... Wednesday it was bad enough that I mentioned it to my Manager at work that might need to leave. Thursday when I went to the restroom... my urine was ORANGE. LIKE NEON ORANGE. I knew something was not right, so I called my PCP Dr. and she was out on vacation. So, I made an appointment to see another Dr. in the practice for Friday. When I went in he agreed that it sounded like gallbladder, and said that they could see it was bilirubin in my urine which is a byproduct of blood from your liver. He sent me off for a CT, and said he would get back with me that day. I never heard anything... (I should have called.) Saturday, after coming back in the house from a walk with my dog my sister was cooking some BBQ chicken... and suddenly pain started. (yes, it really was just the smell of the chicken that started it). The pain just kept getting more and more severe... my partner came over and took one look at me and took me to the ER. I was jaundice, skin and eyes were yellow, I was double over in pain and really could not think. Turns out I had pancreatitis caused by a gallstone that decided to play in my pancreas. I was admitted to the hospital for 5 days. (BTW - the Dr I saw no longer works at their practice I made several complaints when I found yes they saw issues on my CT and he never called). Anyway.... I had to be on a VERY LOW fat diet once I was released because they wanted my pancreas to calm down before doing gallbladder surgery. I had my gallbladder removed end of July. When my surgeon talked with me after the surgery he pointed out something he wanted checked by my GYN, which lead to another surgery in mid Sept. However, it is not related to my WLS, or a complication of it, so I wont go into details here. So, from July until mid Oct my exercise became almost non-existent due to all of the issues, and I let myself snack more. (I have always been an emotional eater). I mention the gallbladder issue because it is a common side effect of having rapid weight lose. So much so that many surgeons remove it at the same time as doing the sleeve... something that I didn't know, and was not talked about before. Which would be my ONLY complaint about my surgeon. Would I go back and not do it???? HECK NO, I am IN LOVE with my SLEEVED life. It saved my life... in so many ways.
When I had my surgery in mid Sept my GYN mentioned that the surgery was more difficult due to the excess skin, and that it didn't have any tension, which they rely on to help hold the tools for surgery. He said I should look into plastic surgery... to which I said... no, way... I am no where near being "ready", I still have too much fat in my tummy. He pulled back the sheets and looked, and disagreed with me. He said he was just "in there" and they can take care of that with surgery. You are ready... I was in awe.
I did make an appointment for a consult with Dr. Kirby in Ft. Worth at the end of Oct.... I met with another PS, but I really like Dr. Kirby. Long story short... she would like me to lose at least 10 more pounds (I want to lose 15). Just so that everything is as lose as possible, and will allow her to make the TT as tight as possible. Before looking at me she said the most she usually removes of skin is about 10pounds. After the exam... she said she will easily be removing more than 10pounds. They are submitting everything to my insurance to see if any of it will be covered, and I am working on getting these last pounds off. Due to cost I am looking at waiting until March, but I would LOVE to have it done before my 2 year mark of having my WLS. So, I am beginning the next leg of this amazing journey.
I started at 367, and this morning I weigh 172.6. I used to wear a 30/32 and shirts were getting tight. I now wear a 14. I can shop in "normal" stores. I just bought tights for the winter, and they are a medium. It blows my mind that I weigh less now than when I graduated HS. (I was 197, I remember that I said I would NEVER be over 200...hahaha). I love seeing my collarbone, I feel it all the time. I freaked out the 1st time I felt my pelvic bone.. didn't know what that was! I love to cross my legs... I do it ALL the time. I can walk anywhere I want and I don't have to think about it.
I don't always see it, in fact, I know I still see myself as much larger than I am. However, everyday I am seeing myself a bit more clearly.
I hope that my "review" gave you some insight of what this journey may be like and know that EVERYONE is different, and please don't compare yourself with anyone else's. you are a unique person, and your results will vary. please feel free to ask me anything... really.
I had thought about having WLS previously, but never was able to afford having the procedure. A friend of mine had the sleeve, and was doing very well. So, I really started looking at my life. I was 367 pounds, my Dr. was talking about changing my diabetes meds again, and maybe starting me on insulin as the 3 different meds I was on were not doing the job anymore. I was also on high blood pressure meds, and high cholesterol meds. I was not able to walk more than a block without being in a lot of pain. I met with a few different surgeons and decided to have my procedure with the same Dr. my friend went to.. and he was wonderful. Dr. Veninga in Carrollton, TX really took the time with me during our 1st meeting. I was able to ask everything I could imagine, and he explained everything in detail.
My insurance approved my surgery after doing 3 months of Dr supervised diet, a pysc eval, and a meeting with a nutritionist. I had my surgery on 4/10/13. I remember when Dr. V came in to talk with me the next day (I was really out of it the day of surgery) I was very disappointed when he said my stomach was much bigger than he expected, and so my pouch was larger than he planned. I really thought this would make a difference in my being successful. (I was wrong BTW). I also had 7 incisions, instead of the 4 or 5 he had said it would be and the surgery took 2 hours longer than planned as well. I also ended up staying 2 nights in the hospital, when only one night was planned. Not because of any complication, but I had not passed gas... the anesthesia took me a while to get over.
Once home I really was not in A LOT of pain, but I did sleep in a recliner the 1st night at home. Then it was at least a week before I could sleep on my side. The hardest thing for me was trying to get enough water in during the day... the 1st couple of weeks there is NO WAY I could get even close to my goal. I remember the 1st day I could have soft foods... I was so excited. I made an egg. I ate about 1/2 of it, and was full.... I looked at the 2 bites or so that were left, and the OLD me still very much in my head... so, don't leave that.. and I quickly ate it... it was ONLY 2 bites... UM..... THAT WAS PAINFUL! I don't throw up easily. Never have... but how I WISHED I could at that moment. It felt like when you swallow a chip and it feels like it is cutting you inside out then you have a gas bubble under it.... just something I learned VERY QUICKLY to not do... OVEREAT!
I went back to work after 3 weeks, I could have gone after 2, but was glad I took the extra week. Over the next several months the weight fell off... within 6 months I had lost over 100 pounds. I started to exercise some, walking and going to the gym. I could move and it didn't hurt. I stuck to my Dr.'s plan with my diet very closely for the 1st year. I didn't have bread, pasta, or rice (except once I tried sushi, and rice swells... OUCH). I didn't drink soda, which before I was truly addicted to... every morning like many people have coffee. Dr. V was impressed how much restriction I still had at my year follow up. I could not eat an entire lean cuisine... maybe 1/2. I truly believe it was because I stuck to avoiding anything that would contribute to my pouch stretching.
In the last 6 months, I do have some bread... usually just a couple of bites with a sandwich then I just eat the insides. I will have a sip or two of soda, but have yet to have a whole drink. I have become addicted to coffee... still need my morning fix! (now, if I could kick the creamer we would be kicking a$$). I allow myself too many sweets from time to time, and the last few months I starting slipping more and more, and my exercise has fallen off. I have only lost 9 pounds in 3 months. Which is still good, but I know it could have been better. So, I am getting back to what works for me. It is an effort everyday, but an effort that is worth it.....
Now, to back up a bit. Right after the surgery, my PCP took me off of one of my diabetes meds. She cut my BP meds in 1/2 within 30 days. Within 3 months I was off ALL of my meds. I did not have any problems for the 1st year, my labs were always great. I take a multi vitamin, calcium, and B12 once a week. (though I have stopped the B12, and should probably start again). In June of this year I started having a pain after I ate in the upper right of my abdomen, right by my ribs. I was pretty sure this was gallbladder pain, from what others had described. it started on a Monday.... Wednesday it was bad enough that I mentioned it to my Manager at work that might need to leave. Thursday when I went to the restroom... my urine was ORANGE. LIKE NEON ORANGE. I knew something was not right, so I called my PCP Dr. and she was out on vacation. So, I made an appointment to see another Dr. in the practice for Friday. When I went in he agreed that it sounded like gallbladder, and said that they could see it was bilirubin in my urine which is a byproduct of blood from your liver. He sent me off for a CT, and said he would get back with me that day. I never heard anything... (I should have called.) Saturday, after coming back in the house from a walk with my dog my sister was cooking some BBQ chicken... and suddenly pain started. (yes, it really was just the smell of the chicken that started it). The pain just kept getting more and more severe... my partner came over and took one look at me and took me to the ER. I was jaundice, skin and eyes were yellow, I was double over in pain and really could not think. Turns out I had pancreatitis caused by a gallstone that decided to play in my pancreas. I was admitted to the hospital for 5 days. (BTW - the Dr I saw no longer works at their practice I made several complaints when I found yes they saw issues on my CT and he never called). Anyway.... I had to be on a VERY LOW fat diet once I was released because they wanted my pancreas to calm down before doing gallbladder surgery. I had my gallbladder removed end of July. When my surgeon talked with me after the surgery he pointed out something he wanted checked by my GYN, which lead to another surgery in mid Sept. However, it is not related to my WLS, or a complication of it, so I wont go into details here. So, from July until mid Oct my exercise became almost non-existent due to all of the issues, and I let myself snack more. (I have always been an emotional eater). I mention the gallbladder issue because it is a common side effect of having rapid weight lose. So much so that many surgeons remove it at the same time as doing the sleeve... something that I didn't know, and was not talked about before. Which would be my ONLY complaint about my surgeon. Would I go back and not do it???? HECK NO, I am IN LOVE with my SLEEVED life. It saved my life... in so many ways.
When I had my surgery in mid Sept my GYN mentioned that the surgery was more difficult due to the excess skin, and that it didn't have any tension, which they rely on to help hold the tools for surgery. He said I should look into plastic surgery... to which I said... no, way... I am no where near being "ready", I still have too much fat in my tummy. He pulled back the sheets and looked, and disagreed with me. He said he was just "in there" and they can take care of that with surgery. You are ready... I was in awe.
I did make an appointment for a consult with Dr. Kirby in Ft. Worth at the end of Oct.... I met with another PS, but I really like Dr. Kirby. Long story short... she would like me to lose at least 10 more pounds (I want to lose 15). Just so that everything is as lose as possible, and will allow her to make the TT as tight as possible. Before looking at me she said the most she usually removes of skin is about 10pounds. After the exam... she said she will easily be removing more than 10pounds. They are submitting everything to my insurance to see if any of it will be covered, and I am working on getting these last pounds off. Due to cost I am looking at waiting until March, but I would LOVE to have it done before my 2 year mark of having my WLS. So, I am beginning the next leg of this amazing journey.
I started at 367, and this morning I weigh 172.6. I used to wear a 30/32 and shirts were getting tight. I now wear a 14. I can shop in "normal" stores. I just bought tights for the winter, and they are a medium. It blows my mind that I weigh less now than when I graduated HS. (I was 197, I remember that I said I would NEVER be over 200...hahaha). I love seeing my collarbone, I feel it all the time. I freaked out the 1st time I felt my pelvic bone.. didn't know what that was! I love to cross my legs... I do it ALL the time. I can walk anywhere I want and I don't have to think about it.
I don't always see it, in fact, I know I still see myself as much larger than I am. However, everyday I am seeing myself a bit more clearly.
I hope that my "review" gave you some insight of what this journey may be like and know that EVERYONE is different, and please don't compare yourself with anyone else's. you are a unique person, and your results will vary. please feel free to ask me anything... really.
QT31415's provider
UPDATED FROM QT31415
1 year post
200 pounds gone
I am excited to say that as of yesterday morning I have lost 200 pounds from my heaviest weight. Yesterday morning I was 167!!! My goal was to lose 200 by the end of the year and I did it!!!
That was 57 pounds this year, 55% of my total weight lost, 95% of my excess weight GONE, and now I am10 pounds away from a "NORMAL" BMI"
My plan in 2015 is to get my extended abdominoplasty with a fleur-de-lis incision done, and then train for the 3-day walk in November.
I will keep y'all updated!
That was 57 pounds this year, 55% of my total weight lost, 95% of my excess weight GONE, and now I am10 pounds away from a "NORMAL" BMI"
My plan in 2015 is to get my extended abdominoplasty with a fleur-de-lis incision done, and then train for the 3-day walk in November.
I will keep y'all updated!
Replies (29)
December 28, 2014
So inspiring I am looking at getting this done very soon awesome :-)
UPDATED FROM QT31415
1 year post
plateaus - time to make a change
Someone asked me if I had any plateaus during this process, and how long etc...
I did, but very few and they were short (2 weeks, every one of them). Until... now.
October 5th I entered the 170's - I was 176.6. Finally. in December I made it to the 160's and by the end of the year I was 167 200 pounds gone. Which was my original goal, and something I never thought was actually going to happen. However, it did. Since them Ihave struggled to get back to the 160's. Mostly, hovering around 172.
I was planning on having my tummy tuck, but it is pricey and I don't want to take a loan. So, I was saving money. the plastic surgeon said she wanted me to lose at least 10 pounds 1st. Which would put me at 165. I am not sure if because I hit my goal, I let myself relax, or if I am somehow subconsciously avoiding the surgery by not losing more weight. I don't know.
So, I did some evaluating what I was or was not doing and where I want to be in the end. I have not been really working out, not the way I know I can or should. I decided to make a change. I took the money I was saving for my surgery and I am making a commitment to me. I paid for a gym membership ALL up front with a year of personal training 2xs a week. I need to gain muscle mass, really I don't have a lot of muscle. I am not weak, but I could be much stronger. I can't do a full crunch. a push up, and surly not a pull up of any kind. If/When I get my TT I want to be in the best shape possible. I want to have abs when it is all done, and I do not want to have to go have a "touch up" because I lost more weight and it is poochy again.
I have had 4 sessions with her so far, and I love and hate it all at the same time. I need to be better about going on the other days during the week, but I am getting there.
Today is my birthday, and I do my "resolutions" on this day. (not new years). This is the start of a new year for me, in a body I don't know, but want to become more familiar with and know it limits and push past them. I want to be in even better shape next year.
I hope that anyone who reads my thoughts is helped in some way by my journey. Please feel free to ask questions. I wish you all great success in your journeys
I did, but very few and they were short (2 weeks, every one of them). Until... now.
October 5th I entered the 170's - I was 176.6. Finally. in December I made it to the 160's and by the end of the year I was 167 200 pounds gone. Which was my original goal, and something I never thought was actually going to happen. However, it did. Since them Ihave struggled to get back to the 160's. Mostly, hovering around 172.
I was planning on having my tummy tuck, but it is pricey and I don't want to take a loan. So, I was saving money. the plastic surgeon said she wanted me to lose at least 10 pounds 1st. Which would put me at 165. I am not sure if because I hit my goal, I let myself relax, or if I am somehow subconsciously avoiding the surgery by not losing more weight. I don't know.
So, I did some evaluating what I was or was not doing and where I want to be in the end. I have not been really working out, not the way I know I can or should. I decided to make a change. I took the money I was saving for my surgery and I am making a commitment to me. I paid for a gym membership ALL up front with a year of personal training 2xs a week. I need to gain muscle mass, really I don't have a lot of muscle. I am not weak, but I could be much stronger. I can't do a full crunch. a push up, and surly not a pull up of any kind. If/When I get my TT I want to be in the best shape possible. I want to have abs when it is all done, and I do not want to have to go have a "touch up" because I lost more weight and it is poochy again.
I have had 4 sessions with her so far, and I love and hate it all at the same time. I need to be better about going on the other days during the week, but I am getting there.
Today is my birthday, and I do my "resolutions" on this day. (not new years). This is the start of a new year for me, in a body I don't know, but want to become more familiar with and know it limits and push past them. I want to be in even better shape next year.
I hope that anyone who reads my thoughts is helped in some way by my journey. Please feel free to ask questions. I wish you all great success in your journeys
Replies (14)
March 10, 2015
Wishing you well on your commitment to exercise and toning up. You are clearly a determined woman and can do whatever you set your mind to, if one way is not getting you there, you find another. Great example to us all, thank you.
March 10, 2015
Thank you Zen lady! I really appreciate that. I spent so many years of my life not being as determined, but the healthier I get the more determined I get because of renewed energy as well.
March 10, 2015
If u have extensive excess skin you health insurance may cover. Partial tummy tuck.... also U can research other places like Mexico and Dominican Republic for reputable surgeons there for a fraction of the price. There is a lady on here totally forgot her name but she got her WL surgery and afterwards plastic surgery done in Mexico and she looks stunning. Real site has all the tools you need to research a good, affordable plastic surgeon
March 10, 2015
Also I forgot to say you look wonderful!! Such and inspiration for pre-sleevers and new sleevers like myself!!
March 11, 2015
Great achievement!!!!!!!!! You should be proud of yourself!!!
March 16, 2015
Love to read your post. It's so inspiring!!!!!, im so proud of you, your comitment and all the positive changes, you will do great this year and I can't wait to see more pics of you.
I have been stuck in my weigh loos 2 months and I have t dropped a lb, :( I'm doing every thing I'm supposed to do .... I guess I need to relax , it's been only 3 months since my surgery and I've lost 50lb
March 17, 2015
3 months and 50 pounds is amazing. Sounds like your body is just trying to fight it, it knows that is a low. DRINK lots of water, it will help!!!
Thank you... I will be sure to post more pictures when I drop some more, or get toned up! :-)
March 18, 2015
Thank you, I have a Q for you, my Dr told me I need to be in a very strict diet hight protein low carbs only 30 carbs a day , no bread, rice, pasta , do you do this ??, I also read here that some other people eat everything, but small portions of course, any sugestión ?, I ear every 2 or 3 hrs and I really try to stay focused , I fight my cravings
March 18, 2015
For the 1st year I stuck to the no bread, rice, pasta rule very tightly. I also had NO carbonation. I did maybe a 2 or 3 times try something along those lines, but honestly, for me it hurt... not enough room as it expands. If you want to get all your protein in (and you do need to get it all in) you will not be able to each those carbs. Now, I stuck to 50 or less a day, but that is because I had yogurt and other dairy so it upped that number a bit. If you stick to it, you will find you no longer have those cravings. Carb carvings are hard to get over, if you are lacking something else... water for example sometimes your body will beg for carbs. Yes, I still eat every 3ish hours. TINY amounts at 1st, but now it is a bit more. I would like to go back now to having very few carbs as I have been stuck at the same weight within 5-6 pounds for a few months. It is hard. no doubt about it.
March 19, 2015
It seems like alot of stories i read people have gotten the sleeve. My doctor said that its harder to lose alot of weight with the sleeve and that he would recommend getting gastric bypass. What do u think? I want whats best!! And u have done so awesome with your weight loss!!
March 19, 2015
Thank you very much, whatever you do, it is hard work, but all so worth it. As for results, lap band they say you will lose up to 50% of your excess weight, sleeve up to 60%, bypass up to 75%. remember that these are averages. When I did the sleeve my Dr said he liked it best because you have a LOT less of the issues with malnutrition, and some others side effects. He also said that I did not lose enough with just the sleeve he would after a year go in and do the "rest" of the surgery.... ie convert it to a full bypass. However, I have lost way more than they projected for even the bypass.
I still have 20 pounds ish to go. I want to lose 30 more of fat, and build 10 of muscle.
March 20, 2015
You are my role model!!!! Here's to hard work and weight loss!!! Thanks for the information!!!
Replies (138)