POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery Reviews
44 Year Old Mother of 2, PCOS, Sleep Apnea, Back and Knee Pain. Houston, TX
UPDATED FROM txmom808
5 years post
VSG update: 4 yrs, 9 months
txmom808October 1, 2017
WORTH IT
Hi,
I am just updating since my last entry.
Hard to believe that it's been almost 5 years since my surgery! So many amazing things have happened in my life...And my life is so much more exciting and better than when I was heavier.....Namely that I am able to do a lot more activities without being tired.
My 50th birthday is next month, and I think that I am possibly in nearly as good of shape as when I was 25. I am hoping to get a new road bike for my birthday that will hopefully make riding easier and more fun.....I can hardly wait !!
As far as my iron level, it was fine upon last checkup, as was my hgb. I continue on my vitamins and iron and am feeling well. My weight is about the same, although I do believe that I am building muscle with my cycling....
I am out of physical therapy, but continue knee treatments at my chiropractor's office. I still have my cycling coach and gym trainer....
I feel very pleased with where I am physically. I will write another update at my 5 year mark. Hang in there ya'll.
Love & Hugs
Txmom
I am just updating since my last entry.
Hard to believe that it's been almost 5 years since my surgery! So many amazing things have happened in my life...And my life is so much more exciting and better than when I was heavier.....Namely that I am able to do a lot more activities without being tired.
My 50th birthday is next month, and I think that I am possibly in nearly as good of shape as when I was 25. I am hoping to get a new road bike for my birthday that will hopefully make riding easier and more fun.....I can hardly wait !!
As far as my iron level, it was fine upon last checkup, as was my hgb. I continue on my vitamins and iron and am feeling well. My weight is about the same, although I do believe that I am building muscle with my cycling....
I am out of physical therapy, but continue knee treatments at my chiropractor's office. I still have my cycling coach and gym trainer....
I feel very pleased with where I am physically. I will write another update at my 5 year mark. Hang in there ya'll.
Love & Hugs
Txmom
txmom808's provider
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM txmom808
5 years post
Finally Had My 4 Year VSG CheckUp
txmom808May 22, 2017
Hi VSGers:
Well, after rescheduling this appointment 3 times since November, 2016, I finally had my 4 year checkup: About 5 months late. Dr. Marvin said that I am maintaining about 85% of my initial weight loss which is good, but that I can probably do a little bit better. (Maybe lose about 10 pounds.... Yes, that same 10 pounds....lol) Anyway, he says that my surgery has been "successful" and that I should be proud. I explained that it is difficult for me to do the "no carb" thing because of the cycling that I am into. I am currently cycling 95 to 100 miles per week. I have increased a lot since I first started. I plan to stay at this distance, and we are working on speed at the moment, and other skills. I feel pretty good about it. I am still also lifting weights and doing core exercises 2x per week. I am also in physical therapy for knee pain 2x per week and doing more core and muscle isolation exercises for my lower body. I am pretty exhausted just keeping up with all of this. It takes a lot of dedication, and sometimes I feel dead on my feet, but hey, it's fun.
I am still trying to cut the carbs down, but honestly, I am hungry when I cycle, and it is difficult not to eat too much. My shape has changed, and my thighs and lower body seem bigger. My husband says its muscle, and he likes it. LOL..... But, I just want to be thinner. I am very conflicted over all of this, and I feel like if I could just cut out all the carbs then I could lose the weight, but that simply is not possible with cycling 3 to 4 days per week. So, if I have to have bigger thighs, then so be it.
I will say that my VSG journey has all been worth it; Low iron and all. Dr. Marvin drew more blood and is re-checking my iron count, which was normal last test. He is not convinced that VSG is what is causing the low iron, and he wanted me to stop the iron supplementation and see what happens. NO WAY. I am not stopping at this point. I could barely function when my iron was 30 and my Hgb was 10. I felt like the walking dead. I am too far along in my training, and it would be a serious setback to lose my energy to low iron again. I am just going to wait for the blood tests and see what they say. I suppose at some point, I will have to stop the supplementation, but not right now!!! Forget it.
I am happy that I have done at least this well 4 years out. I do miss some of the foods I used to like, but there is always enjoyment of the things we like in moderation, and that is what to shoot for.
I am very happy that I have been able to be as active as I am for this long. Life has seemed so much better since the VSG.
I want to encourage all of you who may be thinking about VSG to at least go and see a bariatric doctor for a consultation. You never know if you will meet the criteria. You only have weight to loose and your whole life to gain.... :)) It is seriously a huge deal.... Go for it. !!
If I can answer any questions about the surgery for you, then I would be happy to do so. Please just send me a message. Good luck to all of you !
Hugs,
Txmom
Well, after rescheduling this appointment 3 times since November, 2016, I finally had my 4 year checkup: About 5 months late. Dr. Marvin said that I am maintaining about 85% of my initial weight loss which is good, but that I can probably do a little bit better. (Maybe lose about 10 pounds.... Yes, that same 10 pounds....lol) Anyway, he says that my surgery has been "successful" and that I should be proud. I explained that it is difficult for me to do the "no carb" thing because of the cycling that I am into. I am currently cycling 95 to 100 miles per week. I have increased a lot since I first started. I plan to stay at this distance, and we are working on speed at the moment, and other skills. I feel pretty good about it. I am still also lifting weights and doing core exercises 2x per week. I am also in physical therapy for knee pain 2x per week and doing more core and muscle isolation exercises for my lower body. I am pretty exhausted just keeping up with all of this. It takes a lot of dedication, and sometimes I feel dead on my feet, but hey, it's fun.
I am still trying to cut the carbs down, but honestly, I am hungry when I cycle, and it is difficult not to eat too much. My shape has changed, and my thighs and lower body seem bigger. My husband says its muscle, and he likes it. LOL..... But, I just want to be thinner. I am very conflicted over all of this, and I feel like if I could just cut out all the carbs then I could lose the weight, but that simply is not possible with cycling 3 to 4 days per week. So, if I have to have bigger thighs, then so be it.
I will say that my VSG journey has all been worth it; Low iron and all. Dr. Marvin drew more blood and is re-checking my iron count, which was normal last test. He is not convinced that VSG is what is causing the low iron, and he wanted me to stop the iron supplementation and see what happens. NO WAY. I am not stopping at this point. I could barely function when my iron was 30 and my Hgb was 10. I felt like the walking dead. I am too far along in my training, and it would be a serious setback to lose my energy to low iron again. I am just going to wait for the blood tests and see what they say. I suppose at some point, I will have to stop the supplementation, but not right now!!! Forget it.
I am happy that I have done at least this well 4 years out. I do miss some of the foods I used to like, but there is always enjoyment of the things we like in moderation, and that is what to shoot for.
I am very happy that I have been able to be as active as I am for this long. Life has seemed so much better since the VSG.
I want to encourage all of you who may be thinking about VSG to at least go and see a bariatric doctor for a consultation. You never know if you will meet the criteria. You only have weight to loose and your whole life to gain.... :)) It is seriously a huge deal.... Go for it. !!
If I can answer any questions about the surgery for you, then I would be happy to do so. Please just send me a message. Good luck to all of you !
Hugs,
Txmom
Replies (3)
May 24, 2017
Hey Txmom. Your cycling is impressive! Keep in mind that cycling inherently just isn't as intense as running. Some estimate running as up to 5x more demanding of an exercise! Yikes! Good to hear you've increased the speeds and distances. What speed ARE you riding at, out on the open spaces?
You haven't posted many stats. What's your height, and what was your pre wls weight? Current weight?
Keep in mind fruits and veggies ARE carbs, just not the delicious, fun ones! When you eat breads, pasta, etc, it gets stored as fat almost immediately, and you (all of us!) are trying to LOSE fat, so I'd drop THOSE kinds of carbs down to as low as you possibly can. Look into Vinnie Tortorich's "No sugar, no carb" plan. People are losing a lot of weight fast with it.
As for your low iron: are you eating much in the way of dark green leafy vegetables? Spinach, kale, etc? A friend who had GBP surgery has terrible anemia from it- and I have YET to see her eat a single dark salad! But she sure loves the pizza! :-O.
Anyway, hang in there, and post some pics- we all identify with people better when we can see them!
Best of luck to you.
You haven't posted many stats. What's your height, and what was your pre wls weight? Current weight?
Keep in mind fruits and veggies ARE carbs, just not the delicious, fun ones! When you eat breads, pasta, etc, it gets stored as fat almost immediately, and you (all of us!) are trying to LOSE fat, so I'd drop THOSE kinds of carbs down to as low as you possibly can. Look into Vinnie Tortorich's "No sugar, no carb" plan. People are losing a lot of weight fast with it.
As for your low iron: are you eating much in the way of dark green leafy vegetables? Spinach, kale, etc? A friend who had GBP surgery has terrible anemia from it- and I have YET to see her eat a single dark salad! But she sure loves the pizza! :-O.
Anyway, hang in there, and post some pics- we all identify with people better when we can see them!
Best of luck to you.
May 24, 2017
Hi testrun36,
I appreciate your response. I would have to disagree that cycling is not as intense as running. I have been both a runner and now a cyclist. While it is true that running can give you a more intense workout in less time; Studies show that cycling at a moderate pace will burn roughly the same amount of calories in a 30 minute period as running at a moderate pace for persons of equal weight. This is also true for running and cycling at higher speeds. Running a mile at any speed burns roughly 110 calories per mile. However with cycling, as you increase your speed, you can burn a higher amount of calories in a shorter time period. Running can/ could possibly have the same effect, for persons who are in top physical condition and can run a 6 minute mile. But consider this scenario:
With the same level of fitness that it takes an average adult weighing 155 lbs. to run 5 or 6 miles, A cyclist could easily ride 50 miles at an average speed of 15 mph to burn 1,550 calories ! It would take running 14 miles to equal the same amount of calorie burn. It is very difficult to run that long and that far; Not many people could do this on a regular basis. Cycling can be done for much longer periods, and even at moderate paces, can burn far more calories than running.
It also has the added benefits of less strain on your knees and hips. Most exercise experts believe cycling to be a far more superior (as in calorie burn and physical conditioning) sport as compared to running. I only "thought" I was in shape when I could run 3 to 5 miles. When I tried cycling the first time, I rode 10 miles, and it was so hard that I didn't do it again for another couple of months. In fact, I had my road bike 2 years before I decided to get serious about learning how to cycle. There is a lot more to it than buying a bike and a cute matching outfit and going out on a ride. It takes a lot of patience, persistence, hard work and discipline to learn cycling, and a whole lot more for those who are lucky enough to master it.
But, I do know what you mean about the running. It is hard on your body, and the rush you get after a run is, to me, one of the biggest things I miss about it. I used to feel very energetic after running. Those endorphins hit, and you feel like you could fly to the moon and back. With cycling, it takes more time.... Since you are gone anywhere from an hour to half a day, you do not get that immediate high. I usually feel completely wiped out, ready to eat and take a nap. lol
Something akin to having fought a tiger and killed it.
If you are not a cyclist, then you will not understand any of this. My coach and I have decided that cyclists are almost a cult. lol . We are weirdos and freaks who get off on doing things that seem impossible to other people. Even though I am at the beginning of my cycling career, I still think this is a disease you catch. You either love it or you don't.
Try it out. You might find that you are one of us after all.
Best wishes,
Txmom
I appreciate your response. I would have to disagree that cycling is not as intense as running. I have been both a runner and now a cyclist. While it is true that running can give you a more intense workout in less time; Studies show that cycling at a moderate pace will burn roughly the same amount of calories in a 30 minute period as running at a moderate pace for persons of equal weight. This is also true for running and cycling at higher speeds. Running a mile at any speed burns roughly 110 calories per mile. However with cycling, as you increase your speed, you can burn a higher amount of calories in a shorter time period. Running can/ could possibly have the same effect, for persons who are in top physical condition and can run a 6 minute mile. But consider this scenario:
With the same level of fitness that it takes an average adult weighing 155 lbs. to run 5 or 6 miles, A cyclist could easily ride 50 miles at an average speed of 15 mph to burn 1,550 calories ! It would take running 14 miles to equal the same amount of calorie burn. It is very difficult to run that long and that far; Not many people could do this on a regular basis. Cycling can be done for much longer periods, and even at moderate paces, can burn far more calories than running.
It also has the added benefits of less strain on your knees and hips. Most exercise experts believe cycling to be a far more superior (as in calorie burn and physical conditioning) sport as compared to running. I only "thought" I was in shape when I could run 3 to 5 miles. When I tried cycling the first time, I rode 10 miles, and it was so hard that I didn't do it again for another couple of months. In fact, I had my road bike 2 years before I decided to get serious about learning how to cycle. There is a lot more to it than buying a bike and a cute matching outfit and going out on a ride. It takes a lot of patience, persistence, hard work and discipline to learn cycling, and a whole lot more for those who are lucky enough to master it.
But, I do know what you mean about the running. It is hard on your body, and the rush you get after a run is, to me, one of the biggest things I miss about it. I used to feel very energetic after running. Those endorphins hit, and you feel like you could fly to the moon and back. With cycling, it takes more time.... Since you are gone anywhere from an hour to half a day, you do not get that immediate high. I usually feel completely wiped out, ready to eat and take a nap. lol
Something akin to having fought a tiger and killed it.
If you are not a cyclist, then you will not understand any of this. My coach and I have decided that cyclists are almost a cult. lol . We are weirdos and freaks who get off on doing things that seem impossible to other people. Even though I am at the beginning of my cycling career, I still think this is a disease you catch. You either love it or you don't.
Try it out. You might find that you are one of us after all.
Best wishes,
Txmom
May 27, 2017
I follow your points, though we're kinda saying the same thing: since biking IS less intense, *that's why* you can ride for 2,3,4 + hours. And when you get in over your head a bit, you can stop pedaling and coast for a minute to get your breath back, etc. Can't do that running! I wasn't knocking cycling: in fact, I've been a fairly avid biker since the 90s! I don't want to quibble over numbers of miles / hour / calories, etc. I'm glad you have workout that you enjoy so much :)
Keep us updated on your progress!
Keep us updated on your progress!
UPDATED FROM txmom808
5 years post
4 Year VSG Surgiversary
txmom808December 28, 2016
Hi yall,
Today (well tonight) is my 4 year surgiversary !!
I still technically have 20 minutes left to post for 12/27.
I have to say that a lot has happened in this last 4 years. I am proud to say that I am still the same size I was at the end of my 1 year surgiversary.
I have worked very hard at dieting and exercising to stay this way. It does not happen by chance. Every day is a challenge to choose the healthy foods over the unhealthy. Every day is a chance to exercise or not.
If you have read any of my posts here or under my tummy tuck posts, then you know that I face several challenges with exercise, as I have scoliosis, & back and knee pain. I ran until I really felt like my knees had taken all the beating they could stand. Then, this uear, I started my cycling journey, which has been fun but also probably one of the most physically challenging things I have ever done.
I have hired a cycling coach to help me after I completely humiliated myself on my first group ride....Trust me, it was so bad that it was nearly comical. You just can't make that story up. If I told it, you would howl....Anyway, I am working very hard at my cycling goals. My trainer says that I will be able to ride 100 miles by this Spring. Lol
I think that sounds scary, & a bit unrealistic at this point. I would be so happy if I could ride 40 miles consistently....
Anyway, I am a work in progress....It has been important for me to accept my limitations and to set realistic goals based on my age and musculoskeletal issues....., Otherwise, it would be very easy for me to get discouraged......I remain committed to my exercise regimen (lifting weights with a trainer and cycling). I have 2 coaches- A gym trainer and a cycling coach.......As coaches go, I would say that neither one is very expensive....But, I am lucky in that my husband wants me to succeed, and he suports my goals. Every time I have wanted to quit, he says, "Don't quit."
I am grateful to Him for that support.
A word about stress eating: I will be completely honest : 2016 sucked for my family. A lot of terribly stressful things happened that were beyond our control...
And even though I do not usually cry, I tried to cry all year. And December was the month I cried a lot. I don't think crying means you are weak. It is a good way to relieve stress....
And I will say that I have probably let myself eat a few more pieces of chocolate and more carbs than I would have liked to admit this Christmas...
Although, I don't think that I have gained any weight.
2017 doesn't look great either. Both my husband and I only have one living parent each, & both of them are extremely ill.
I would be very surprised if they make it through the year....
I am saying this because I know that stress can wreck havoc on my diet, & I will have to be super dedicated to my program in order to avoid gaining weight......At least I am preparing myself mentally for this challenge...
In October I tried giving up a lot of my "crutch" foods in the hopes to further my weight loss. I did lose 3 pounds. I will say that I reversed that decision by December, and I am just trying to maintain until January when I can revisit my diet issues.
I want you to know that VSG works ! And that you can use this surgery as a tool to help you stay healthy and more active in your life, no matter what fitness and emotional challenges you face.....
I am so very grateful to my Father in Heaven for giving me the opportunity to have this surgery, and for allowing me the time to make my health a priority. I am truly blessed! No matter what happens from here on out, I know the Lord is walking every step of the way with me. I feel like a true Angel, & I feel close to God. I know that everything in my life happens for a reason, & even the pain of the past year has helped me grow....
I hope and pray that those of you who are considering having this surgery yourself will realize that it can be life changing. You get out of it what you put into it. I hope that you realize that it is not a quick fix, but an important step in your journey towards life long wellness...
I wish you all the best im 2017. May the Lord bless you & keep you. If you have any questions about my VSG or TT then please write to me. It would be a blessing to me to be able to help you !!
Happy New Year y'all.
Love,
Txmom
Today (well tonight) is my 4 year surgiversary !!
I still technically have 20 minutes left to post for 12/27.
I have to say that a lot has happened in this last 4 years. I am proud to say that I am still the same size I was at the end of my 1 year surgiversary.
I have worked very hard at dieting and exercising to stay this way. It does not happen by chance. Every day is a challenge to choose the healthy foods over the unhealthy. Every day is a chance to exercise or not.
If you have read any of my posts here or under my tummy tuck posts, then you know that I face several challenges with exercise, as I have scoliosis, & back and knee pain. I ran until I really felt like my knees had taken all the beating they could stand. Then, this uear, I started my cycling journey, which has been fun but also probably one of the most physically challenging things I have ever done.
I have hired a cycling coach to help me after I completely humiliated myself on my first group ride....Trust me, it was so bad that it was nearly comical. You just can't make that story up. If I told it, you would howl....Anyway, I am working very hard at my cycling goals. My trainer says that I will be able to ride 100 miles by this Spring. Lol
I think that sounds scary, & a bit unrealistic at this point. I would be so happy if I could ride 40 miles consistently....
Anyway, I am a work in progress....It has been important for me to accept my limitations and to set realistic goals based on my age and musculoskeletal issues....., Otherwise, it would be very easy for me to get discouraged......I remain committed to my exercise regimen (lifting weights with a trainer and cycling). I have 2 coaches- A gym trainer and a cycling coach.......As coaches go, I would say that neither one is very expensive....But, I am lucky in that my husband wants me to succeed, and he suports my goals. Every time I have wanted to quit, he says, "Don't quit."
I am grateful to Him for that support.
A word about stress eating: I will be completely honest : 2016 sucked for my family. A lot of terribly stressful things happened that were beyond our control...
And even though I do not usually cry, I tried to cry all year. And December was the month I cried a lot. I don't think crying means you are weak. It is a good way to relieve stress....
And I will say that I have probably let myself eat a few more pieces of chocolate and more carbs than I would have liked to admit this Christmas...
Although, I don't think that I have gained any weight.
2017 doesn't look great either. Both my husband and I only have one living parent each, & both of them are extremely ill.
I would be very surprised if they make it through the year....
I am saying this because I know that stress can wreck havoc on my diet, & I will have to be super dedicated to my program in order to avoid gaining weight......At least I am preparing myself mentally for this challenge...
In October I tried giving up a lot of my "crutch" foods in the hopes to further my weight loss. I did lose 3 pounds. I will say that I reversed that decision by December, and I am just trying to maintain until January when I can revisit my diet issues.
I want you to know that VSG works ! And that you can use this surgery as a tool to help you stay healthy and more active in your life, no matter what fitness and emotional challenges you face.....
I am so very grateful to my Father in Heaven for giving me the opportunity to have this surgery, and for allowing me the time to make my health a priority. I am truly blessed! No matter what happens from here on out, I know the Lord is walking every step of the way with me. I feel like a true Angel, & I feel close to God. I know that everything in my life happens for a reason, & even the pain of the past year has helped me grow....
I hope and pray that those of you who are considering having this surgery yourself will realize that it can be life changing. You get out of it what you put into it. I hope that you realize that it is not a quick fix, but an important step in your journey towards life long wellness...
I wish you all the best im 2017. May the Lord bless you & keep you. If you have any questions about my VSG or TT then please write to me. It would be a blessing to me to be able to help you !!
Happy New Year y'all.
Love,
Txmom
Me, I'm 5'3", 54 years old, and diabetic for 10 years. I'm low BMI (36) but really trying to get a handle on the diabetes. I'm scared to do it because I sometimes read those reviews where people talk about their complications, regrets, etc., and I really shouldn't. I trust my surgeon and I know I will miss grazing (that's my downfall). I've been on insulin for about a year and now my primary wants me on mealtime insulin. Time to do something I think. I don't know why I just can't lose the weight on my own but I know that the VSG will work! Right now, I'm looking at 7/19 as my surgery date. Still waiting on insurance approval. Thanks again for your posts!
Thank you for your comments. I am proud of your boyfriend's success ! After VSG, the hard part is not getting it off, the hard part is keeping it off. (Just like with any other weight loss plan. When you do it, it works. When you quit, it doesn't.) VSG is a restrictive weight loss procedure, in that they make your stomach about one third to one half it's original size; thus making it difficult to overeat. VSG will not make good food choices for you ! It will not stop your cravings, and it will not keep you from getting hungry. It does, however, make it more difficult to eat too much at once. But, if you continue to make poor food choices, and if you continue to overeat, you will stretch out your stomach over time, and you will gain weight. --- You have to be diligent with trying to eat properly and not overfilling your stomach. You can graze during the day; In fact, that is better than eating 3 larger meals per day. Eating about 3 smaller meals, and 3 snacks will keep your metabolism up and will keep your blood sugar more even.
I really never was a big eater, but I do not do well with any carbs. I find that if I eat any high glycemic foods, then after a while, I gain weight. It doesn't take much for my scale to tip the other way. It is easier to burn off carbs that are eaten early in the morning, so it's best to get your carbs in at that time. I try to stick to no carbs the rest of the day, unless I'm cycling the next day. I just feel better if I have some carbs the night before. Other than that, I try to be strictly no carb. But, hey, what's life if you cannot have anything sinful to eat every once in a while?? Moderation is the key. And also exercise...So, it's best to find one that you can tolerate and that you can also enjoy.
I am glad that you are considering the surgery. I think my BMI was 38. I don't really remember, but I was in that gray zone of between 35 and 40. In fact, the insurance approved my surgery, then they refused to pay my surgeon for a year!! But, he finally got the money after a fight. My surgeon never told me this the whole time, and he never sent me a bill. The only way I found out was after about 2 years, the insurance clerk told me just in passing. I felt bad about it, but eventually he did get paid.
Back to your situation. If you do your homework and thoroughly check out your surgeon: (He needs to be a board certified bariatric surgeon) then you should be OK.
You might ask him about his complication rate. With VSG, the most common complication is a leak at the suture site, or bleeding from the suture site. With a leak, it can be dangerous because if the stomach contents find their way into the abdominal cavity, then you can get a serious infection. So, it is important that you report any symptoms of this right away. If you develop a leak, they will most likely insert a drain to have the contents drain to the outside while the hole will spontaneously close.
If you develop bleeding, depending on how severe, you usually are sent back to the OR to close the hole.
Complication rates are usually higher for seriously obese patients and those who have already had a previous weight loss surgery, simply because their anatomy has already been altered, and they have formed scar tissue, etc. that the surgeon has to work around.
You will need to discuss your particular case with your surgeon to see if there are any increased surgical risks related to your diabetes, besides the possible delayed wound healing. But, the VSG is done laparoscopically, so the wounds are 5 tiny holes. You will literally have band-aids over them.
Usually the complication rate is very small, and I would not let the possibility of a complication stop me from having WLS, especially if I had diabetes. I think the most critical choice for you to make here is getting the right surgeon. So, please do your homework!!
I am hoping that you are approved for your surgery, and that you will do well. Your boyfriend will be a great resource and help to you during this time, so you are lucky !
If there are any other questions that I can answer for you at this time, or before your surgery, please let me know. I would love to help you.
Hugs,
Txmom