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POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

VSG - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

ORIGINAL POST

VSG - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

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FitGirlBeya
WORTH IT$100,000
I have so much going on with my health but I, like many, have found my “Why” and just like you, my journey is my own.
It has not been easy. I struggled with my weight for many years. From the pressure of modeling, to accidents that set me back in my fitness routine and allowed my stubborn body (and mind) to pack on the pounds, to the medical conditions that finally solidified my choice to undergo weight loss surgery which honestly I thought would be much easier than it was. My vsg surgery was NO EASY WAY OUT as I had once thought when I even heard people say they had surgery to lose weight. Well it was the hardest thing ever. From the months of weigh-ins and countless appointments at the drs, nutritionist, psychiatrist, and trying to convince my family it was for the best, it was all a LONG process and journey I did for one reason...HEALTH. That is my “Why”. .Please feel free to ask questions, offer support, follow and like every post to help encourage me and in many ways, others as well in this process of becoming the best version of ourselves we can be. I post a lot on IG and will always try and be as open as possible. My highest was 247.9 in June. My surgery weight was 226, and day after I was 227.3. I am currently about 191. I say that as I’m on holiday and haven’t weighed in for a week or so. I have went down about 6 dress sizes and 2 bra sizes. Many ups and downs but I’m glad I had the surgery. I have my next drs follow up at UCSF in a couple weeks. I am just now 3 months out. I hope this was helpful to you. I’ll update often. As I always say: “Find Your “Why” and Never Give Up!” ?????

FitGirlBeya's provider

Jonathan T. Carter, MD

Bariatric Surgeon, Board Certified in General Surgery

FitGirlBeya

FitGirlBeya rating for Dr. Carter:

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Replies (16)

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January 26, 2019
You're doing amazing! Looking forward to following your journey. I'm in the middle of my insurance mandated weight loss program before I can get a surgical date. Expect my surgery to be around June time. I'm so impatient to get started!
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January 26, 2019
Thank you so much. How long is your program? I had 3 months of weigh ins plus a laundry list of tests to do and 2 appts to do. Nutritionist and psychiatrist. Everything was super easy. If you’re on ig check me out at fitgirlbeya
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January 26, 2019
My program is 6 months. I attended the mandatory seminar in October then first weigh in and set of appointments was in Nov. Same as you I have a ton of requirements incl 6 monthly nutritionalist visits & weigh-ins, psychologist, the endoscopy & other tests etc.Should hopefully be finished with that by end of April then I was told to expect approx 1 month for scheduling & insurance optical, so I’m guessing early June. As much as I’m super impatient I broke my leg just before Xmas & needed surgery/can’t walk, so have been struggling to maintain my weight whilst bed-bound, so these extra few months are probably a blessing. Not on insta, fb only :(
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January 26, 2019
Sending you positive vibes. It’ll all be worth it in the end. ;)
January 27, 2019
My surgery is in 8 days! So nervous yet excited!
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January 27, 2019
You’ll be fine. I was nervous up to the point I was on the table. It’s totally normal. Wishing you well. If you can get one arranged at the hospital after surgery - heat packs help so much. Ask your nurse ;)
February 7, 2019
I did it! 3 days post op and head hunger is a tough one!!
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March 5, 2019
Hope you’re doing well. And yes head hunger will be hard but it gets easier. You got this!
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February 1, 2019
Such an inspiring message! Thanks for sharing, you look amazing
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March 5, 2019
Thank you so much. I am loving the process and embracing every stage. Even those that may be difficult.
March 8, 2019
Congratulations on your journey! I’m getting sleeved 4/13/19. I have a question I hear that you can lose hair. Did that happen to you or did the vitamins help
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March 8, 2019
Yes I lost hair. Many do. It started for me at about the 2 month mark and lasted 2-2.5 months. I am just now (I just posted an update about it) seeing a LOT less shedding and omg I’m so glad that’s (mostly) over. But even with all that, I would do it all over for the health and wellness I’ve found from having this procedure done. Good luck on your surgery!!
UPDATED FROM FitGirlBeya
5 months post

I am doing really well. Had a lot of hair loss from about the 2 month mark which has finally started to stop (thank goodness)

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FitGirlBeya
I’m down to 178lbs and have went from a size 20/22 to a 12. I have battled a lot of emotions with regards to losing hair but I knew it was something I had to deal with. And it’s finally slowed and nearly stopped. I consider the loss I have now to be standard from my hypothyroidism which has been an issue for years.
I am embracing every step of this journey and really am happy I had the surgery. I will explore plastics in 2020/2021 once I am stable as I have no clue what size or weight I will end up at. My surgeons PA saw me at my 4mo mark and he projected the target goal initially suggested of 130lbs will be reached before the average time most patients hit goal (9mo post op) at the rate I am going. He said I am doing great and told me to add zinc if the hair loss was bothersome or too much. I haven’t yet and since it slowed I may not but since I have hypothyroidism I may and see if that helps at all. The less amount of pills and supplements I take the better.
I don’t take many medications anymore which is great! I got my labs back and everything looks great. My triglycerides went from 367 to normal. Every one of my levels have improved. It’s really amazing to see results like that. I mean of course losing weight is great but HEALTH is priceless. That’s why I went to the extreme of having surgery, to have a better life. A healthier life. And it’s paying off.
I run or speed walk about 10-15 miles a week and I’m now about to start going to the gym to gain more muscle mass. I am for sure healthier and I feel it every day. I have another check up at the 6mo mark which I anticipate to be even better than the 4mo check up and I will post an update then. I do post a lot on my IG but I will post here as well.
If you have been considering this type of surgery obviously weigh the pros and cons and research your surgeon and their whole team and facility, but don’t let fear from living to eat instead of eating to live stand in your way. Life is for living!

Replies (3)

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March 7, 2019
Thats awsome congratulations! I can't wait to start seeing some of the same success you are experiencing. Hopefully only 2 months to go!
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March 7, 2019
Girl you are gonna rock this!
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March 8, 2019
@offshorewife see this update and pic
UPDATED FROM FitGirlBeya
5 months post

Same Jacket - Different Woman

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FitGirlBeya
So happy I made the choice I did!

Replies (2)

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March 7, 2019
Love this! You look amazing :)
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March 7, 2019
Thank you ^_^