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VSG update: 4 yrs, 9 months
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
Finally Had My 4 Year VSG CheckUp
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
4 Year VSG Surgiversary
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
Provider Review
Bariatric Surgeon, Board Certified in General Surgery
4120 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas
Dr. Marvin is an excellent surgeon. He has a low rate of complications, and takes time to answer all of your questions fully. He is a nice person, which is a plus, and he truly cares about his patients. I felt very comfortable with him, and felt that he was honest about what I could expect from the procedure and the aftercare. He does tend to be a busy person, but anytime I asked to schedule an appointment with him, I was afforded that opportunity. He does work with a PA, and sometimes you will have your appointments with her instead of the doctor. But, this person is very knowledgeable as well, and she can give you another perspective. Just know that if you would rather see the doctor, then I am sure you probably can if you request that. I would absolutely choose this doctor over any other in the Houston area, even if I had to pay out of pocket, which, luckily I didn't. I do not believe there is another weight loss surgeon out there with as much skill or expertise in this area. You would be crazy to use anyone else. Weight loss surgery is only as safe as the surgeon you choose. Good Luck.