3 years Post Op - Be inspired *Pics*

[smbergie200 196]

So much has happened to me since I had my VSG 3 years ago. I look back at the man I used to be with sadness in my

heart. I used to hate myself. I was sick and tired of well .. being sick and tired. I had no energy so I slept all

day. When I wasn't sleeping, I was thinking about what tasty treat I could devour to sooth the pain of my existence.

I hated my job and hated socializing with people. I simply wanted to stay home in my protected bubble full of various

electronic entertainment devices and a fridge full of goodies to dull the pain. At the time I was married for a total

of 8 years. During those 8 years I continued in my lazy slothful and selfish ways. It is impossible to truly love

someone if you do not love yourself. She has forgiven me, but sadly we have peacefully went our separate ways. There

comes a point in relationships when too much damage has been done and no amount of effort can fix it.

During those 8 years I had aspirations of becoming a Pharmacist. Year after year I talked about how I was going to go

to college but never took action. As the years passed, the weight continued to pile on making my dream fade away.

Deep in my heart I knew that if I could conquer my weight that the rest would follow. I was desperate and willing to

try anything to get thin and healthy. After tons of research I came across the information regarding the VSG and knew

without a doubt that this was the answers to my prayers. I began my fight. The first step was to figure out how to

pay for it. After some investigation I found out that my insurance from work covered VSG after a 6 month required

waiting period of seeing a Doctor and nutritionist. Of course I ended up gaining weight while waiting which luckily

didn't affect my approval.

Finally the day had come for my procedure. Everything went smoothly and I woke up in not too much pain. I remember it

feeling like I did 1 million crunches and was super sore but not in agony. I did have very bad gas pain after the

third day, but after lots of walking the gas was gone. I was now on my way to the promised land of the skinny.

I followed all the doctors orders and dietary recommendations. I followed all the do's and the don't s to a tee. I

was not going to risk screwing up this last chance at a new life. I picked my high school weight as my goal weight

since I didn't really know which number to pick. After about 6 months I lost most of the weight. About 6 months ago I

decided to really kick things up a notch and finally get to goal. I already exceeded my goal and weight 180 now.

I did get an extended Tummy Tuck as the icing on the cake after all my hard work with my weight loss. I really wanted

to be able to hit the beaches and not be ashamed to take my shirt off. Honestly the tummy tuck was MUCH more

painful that the VSG. It was a pretty rough surgery indeed. I really recommend you not only reach your goal BEFORE

getting any plastic surgery, but also be stable at your healthy weight for at least a year to make sure you can keep

off the weight. Trust me - you do not want to have to endure a second tummy tuck - not fun. While my results look

awesome I did lose most touch sensation around alot of my stomach especially near the bellybutton. I was a little

dissapointed, but I have no regrets and was more than happy to accept the tradeoff.

So now for the latest update. I have been attending college for more than a year now. I will be graduating from

community college in August 2016 and will start Pharmacy school the following year. I have exceeded my goal weight

and currently weigh 180 lbs and wear a size 32 waist and Medium to Large shirt depending on the style. I have

experienced so many NSV's (non-scale victories) that I have lost count. I now have high self esteem and confidence in

myself. I know that now that I have defeated Obesity in my life, I am an unstoppable force filled with drive and

passion. There are no ladies in my life now, but I know one day I will attract the lady of my dreams. Matters of the

heart cant be rushed.

If you are debating whether or not VSG is worth it - for me it was a second chance a life. Embrace the VSG blessing

and enjoy the incredible journey and absolutely life changing miracle that this surgery is.

And now here is some before and after pics for you. - Be inspired - Shayne

[finediva 979]

I read this with tears running down my face. Congrats and thank you for sharing your journey. You look awesome!!!! Keep going with school. You will get there.

[Kindle 8,667]

Excellent story. Thanks for sharing and good luck with school.

[susis 70]

Shayne, you look so happy now! I too, read with tears in my eyes. I hope all newbies read this! Even though I don't know you, I feel sooo happy for you! Congratulations on your new life!

[Dr-Patient 830]

Oh my God! You look fantastic! Great story of self-healing and personal success!

Congratulations, and we Celebrate YOU!

PS: How old are you, sugar? Or, maybe I can be a cougar :-)

Edited August 23, 2014 by Dr-Patient

[beautysleeve559 69]

You look awesome!!!! Reading your story really touched my heart. You have come a long way. I have not had my surgery yet but after reading your story I can't wait to start my life over!!

[Nina51 21]

Remarkable journey - thank you for sharing! Congratulations and best wishes on your new journey to being a pharmacist. You will succeed.

[Katcloudshepherd 630]

Shayne,

WOW! Absolutely WOW!

I am so happy for you! That "Happy" song plays in my head.

You are truly smart with your comment: "There are no ladies in my life now, but I know one day I will attract the lady of my dreams. Matters of the heart cant be rushed." Take your time finding the "right" one. The best person to marry is someone who is also your best friend. Best friend marriages last longer and withstand tough times. That is coming from 49 years of living--not any kind of scientific research.

Again, I you look fabulous and I'm so happy for you.

Kathleen

[chris1142 148]

You have done an amazing job. I'm truly happy for your success and thankful that you shared your story With us. It's stories like this that keep me on the straight and narrow. Only wish this surgery was around when I was younger! But I'm 7 months out now and about 70% of the way to goal-- so better late than never.

Again thanks for taking the time to write all that down. Inspirational!

[sleevedup 46]

You look AMAZING!!!!! Thank you for sharing:)

[JCP 619]

Shane, I never read a more heartfelt and honest testimony. You truly deserve all good things. The woman who wins you will be very fortunate. Blessings to you.

[penman53 492]

Good job, now go mingle with the ladies.

[getnhealthyintx 281]

<p>So much has happened to me since I had my VSG 3 years ago. I look back at the man I used to be with sadness in my<br><br> heart. I used to hate myself. I was sick and tired of well .. being sick and tired. I had no energy so I slept all<br><br> day. When I wasn't sleeping, I was thinking about what tasty treat I could devour to sooth the pain of my existence.<br><br> I hated my job and hated socializing with people. I simply wanted to stay home in my protected bubble full of various<br><br> electronic entertainment devices and a fridge full of goodies to dull the pain. At the time I was married for a total<br><br> of 8 years. During those 8 years I continued in my lazy slothful and selfish ways. It is impossible to truly love<br><br> someone if you do not love yourself. She has forgiven me, but sadly we have peacefully went our separate ways. There<br><br> comes a point in relationships when too much damage has been done and no amount of effort can fix it.<br><br> During those 8 years I had aspirations of becoming a Pharmacist. Year after year I talked about how I was going to go<br><br> to college but never took action. As the years passed, the weight continued to pile on making my dream fade away.<br><br> Deep in my heart I knew that if I could conquer my weight that the rest would follow. I was desperate and willing to<br><br> try anything to get thin and healthy. After tons of research I came across the information regarding the VSG and knew<br><br> without a doubt that this was the answers to my prayers. I began my fight. The first step was to figure out how to<br><br> pay for it. After some investigation I found out that my insurance from work covered VSG after a 6 month required<br><br> waiting period of seeing a Doctor and nutritionist. Of course I ended up gaining weight while waiting which luckily<br><br> didn't affect my approval.<br><br> Finally the day had come for my procedure. Everything went smoothly and I woke up in not too much pain. I remember it<br><br> feeling like I did 1 million crunches and was super sore but not in agony. I did have very bad gas pain after the<br><br> third day, but after lots of walking the gas was gone. I was now on my way to the promised land of the skinny.<br><br> I followed all the doctors orders and dietary recommendations. I followed all the do's and the don't s to a tee. I<br><br> was not going to risk screwing up this last chance at a new life. I picked my high school weight as my goal weight<br><br> since I didn't really know which number to pick. After about 6 months I lost most of the weight. About 6 months ago I<br><br> decided to really kick things up a notch and finally get to goal. I already exceeded my goal and weight 180 now.<br><br> I did get an extended Tummy Tuck as the icing on the cake after all my hard work with my weight loss. I really wanted<br><br> to be able to hit the beaches and not be ashamed to take my shirt off. Honestly the tummy tuck was MUCH more<br><br> painful that the VSG. It was a pretty rough surgery indeed. I really recommend you not only reach your goal BEFORE<br><br> getting any plastic surgery, but also be stable at your healthy weight for at least a year to make sure you can keep<br><br> off the weight. Trust me - you do not want to have to endure a second tummy tuck - not fun. While my results look<br><br> awesome I did lose most touch sensation around alot of my stomach especially near the bellybutton. I was a little<br><br> dissapointed, but I have no regrets and was more than happy to accept the tradeoff.<br><br> So now for the latest update. I have been attending college for more than a year now. I will be graduating from<br><br> community college in August 2016 and will start Pharmacy school the following year. I have exceeded my goal weight<br><br> and currently weigh 180 lbs and wear a size 32 waist and Medium to Large shirt depending on the style. I have<br><br> experienced so many NSV's (non-scale victories) that I have lost count. I now have high self esteem and confidence in<br><br> myself. I know that now that I have defeated Obesity in my life, I am an unstoppable force filled with drive and<br><br> passion. There are no ladies in my life now, but I know one day I will attract the lady of my dreams. Matters of the<br><br> heart cant be rushed.<br><br> If you are debating whether or not VSG is worth it - for me it was a second chance a life. Embrace the VSG blessing<br><br> and enjoy the incredible journey and absolutely life changing miracle that this surgery is.<br><br> And now here is some before and after pics for you. - Be inspired - Shayne</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t216/smbergie200/newest%20skinny%202014/IMG_20110521_183538.jpg?t=1408767778" alt="IMG_20110521_183538.jpg?t=1408767778"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img height="675" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t216/smbergie200/newest%20skinny%202014/graduationfattestever.jpg?t=1408767813" width="497" alt="graduationfattestever.jpg?t=1408767813"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img height="675" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t216/smbergie200/newest%20skinny%202014/8b6633c3-bb2b-4d5e-b137-9c22dbcb01da.jpg?t=1408767615" width="636" alt="8b6633c3-bb2b-4d5e-b137-9c22dbcb01da.jpg"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img height="675" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t216/smbergie200/newest%20skinny%202014/5946e808-9687-4e68-8508-1b62e5be737b.jpg?t=1408767339" width="601" alt="5946e808-9687-4e68-8508-1b62e5be737b.jpg"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img height="675" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t216/smbergie200/newest%20skinny%202014/0a7574b0-43ec-4221-bce1-b85c3c3e3441.jpg?t=1408767285" width="599" alt="0a7574b0-43ec-4221-bce1-b85c3c3e3441.jpg"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img height="675" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t216/smbergie200/newest%20skinny%202014/IMG_20140822_085737776.jpg" width="379" alt="IMG_20140822_085737776.jpg"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img height="675" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t216/smbergie200/newest%20skinny%202014/IMG_20140821_094836.jpg?t=1408767734" width="379" alt="IMG_20140821_094836.jpg?t=1408767734"></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t216/smbergie200/newest%20skinny%202014/IMG_20140821_114810957.jpg?t=1408767904" alt="IMG_20140821_114810957.jpg?t=1408767904"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Thank you for sharing. I wish you nothing but success in your future.

[Blue Sky 89]

Thx for your example!

[poginut 112]

Thank you! This is very inspiring. I'm counting down...my date is Sept 26. Reading stuff like this gets me past the fear of the surgery itself and off course the lifestyle change. God bless! 30 days more and my life will start anew, hopefully like all the others in this forum...happier and healthy life!