jlbstep

One year ago today I had my vertical gastric sleeve. I was 59, diabetic, sleep apnea, asthma, etc and etc. I am 5'3" tall, pre-op weight 205" (this was not my highest, I had lost 21 pounds in 3 years). I now weigh 123 pounds and wear size 4/6 clothes. I wish I could say my diabetes is gone but I knew going in that I would still have diabetes after my weight loss. My diabetes is much better controlled and I still check my glucose levels 3 - 4 times daily. I had knee surgery two years ago and was told I needed total knee replacement. I may at some point in time due to damage to my knee but I know I have a reprieve, even if temporary.
I had a sleep study completed in December 2013 and the sleep apnea is gone. My asthma attacks have been reduced except when exposed to triggers. Thankfully, the severe attacks have been greatly reduced. My blood tests are much improved and if I had to go back one year, I would have the surgery done knowing what I know now.
Dr DePeri, in Jacksonville, FL is my surgeon. He is excellent and the staff of Advanced Memorial Surgery are great. The Bariatric staff of Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville have an excellent staff, Meghan, Jarrod (both have had Bariatric surgery), the educational program is the best. It is an exceptional program and the support does not end when surgery is complete and you are home. I believe wholeheartedly that the Bariatric Program at Memorial Hospital, my surgeon and his staff as well as the support and encouragement of my husband helped me succeed.
I did not share my surgery with everyone. This is a personal choice of mine and I would do the same again.
If you have doubts, ups and downs and those dreaded stalls, hang on you will reach your goal. Do not give up. I lost over 80 pounds, not as much as many but it was what I needed to lose. My health is greatly improved and I am so thankful. I am taking a yoga class.
Tomorrow I am going to have pictures done. I have always been the one behind the camera, now I do not mind having my picture taken. I will share the pictures as soon as I have them.
I like the way I eat since surgery. I eat 5 to 6 times daily, maintain my Protein and keep my carbohydrates at a reduced level. My husband and I do not eat out a lot but when we do, I am a "cheap" date! Most places we eat allow us to share a meal. If not, I always have leftovers to take home for later.
Thank you Bariatric Pal for the opportunity to share with others going through similar situations.
I have not posted much during my journey but if anyone has any questions, or you need an encouraging word during your journey, feel free to contact me.
I will be 61 in a few months and I am looking forward to celebrating!

Congratulations on your surgery and 4 days out doing well, you are amazing.

Welcome aboard! I just had surgery this last Friday & am doing very well.

Do you have photos? You are (or were as of this date) where I want to be. Would love to see before and after. Am 62. 5'5". Started at 248
6 months before approved. Lost only 20 in those months, but 8 lbs in one week prior to sleeve. Sleeved Jan 15 (two weeks ago). Feel great now; am 211 for total of -37 lbs. had a great surgical experience & recovery and feel so good.
My Goal is 135-140. Trying to figure out how best to get there both fast and safely. Tips?

I, like so many of you do not like the new version. I was sleeved 2/18/13 and went to the doctor today. My labs are good, cholesterol is still a little high but I have not been taking the medication. My A1C is at 7.0 and I am scheduled for a sleep study to see if I can discontinue use of my CPAP & oxygen at night. I have lost 80 pounds and am at my goal. I weigh 3 pounds heavier at the doctors office than on my scales. But, that is ok. I am very pleased and would have the surgery again with no hesitation. It was the best thing I did for my health. I am slowly coming off medications. One step at a time, it is a journey and each time I look in the mirror I am still a little surprised to see the new me!

I'm on my phone so I don't know if you stats are posted but do know that everyone here has not lost almost 100 lbs. I am at 79 lbs down since DOS 2/20. That's not much more than you and my weight loss has slowed significantly the last few months so these last 15-20 lbs are not going to go without a fight. Keep doing what you're doing. It sounds like it is working.

Hi all! I haven't been here in a while (I guess since I reached my goal weight), but I missed hearing everyone's stories and updates. As for me, my original goal was to be at 130. My weight on surgery day was 183lbs, however I am now at 109. I keep losing weight and I am not sure if its something to worry about. I don't want to get super skinny. I am 5;2"....When I was in high school I weighed 108. I am 1lb away from my high school weight. Yikes! I'm worried about the sagging skin on my thighs. Everywhere else is ok. I had surgery Feb 28, 2013. On my surgery aniversary I am planning on getting breast implants, brazilian butt lift and a thigh lift.

8-19-13 I am 6 months post surgery. I posted regularly for a while but I retired June1st and I am just beginning to check out the posts again. I went to my surgeon today for 6 month follow-up. I am doing very well. My lab results were good except my cholesterol levels were up from my 3 month follow-up. My diabetes is much better controlled. My heaviest weight was 226 before I decided to check into surgery. It took me 3 years of yo-yo dieting to get down to 204. I am 5'3" and I was wearing 18w clothes. NOW, I am down to 133 lbs!!! I am almost there and Looking at what I need to do once I reach maintenance. It has been an awesome journey. I am so thankful and I do not mind being in front in pictures anymore.

8-19-13 I am 6 months post surgery. I posted regularly for a while but I retired June1st and I am just beginning to check out the posts again. I went to my surgeon today for 6 month follow-up. I am doing very well. My lab results were good except my cholesterol levels were up from my 3 month follow-up. My diabetes is much better controlled. My heaviest weight was 226 before I decided to check into surgery. It took me 3 years of yo-yo dieting to get down to 204. I am 5'3" and I was wearing 18w clothes. NOW, I am down to 133 lbs!!! I am almost there and Looking at what I need to do once I reach maintenance. It has been an awesome journey. I am so thankful and I do not mind being in front in pictures anymore.

8-19-13 I am 6 months post surgery. I posted regularly for a while but I retired June1st and I am just beginning to check out the posts again. I went to my surgeon today for 6 month follow-up. I am doing very well. My lab results were good except my cholesterol levels were up from my 3 month follow-up. My diabetes is much better controlled. My heaviest weight was 226 before I decided to check into surgery. It took me 3 years of yo-yo dieting to get down to 204. I am 5'3" and I was wearing 18w clothes. NOW, I am down to 133 lbs!!! I am almost there and Looking at what I need to do once I reach maintenance. It has been an awesome journey. I am so thankful and I do not mind being in front in pictures anymore.

Hi! I am 59 soon to be 60 in May. Last summer my Endocrinologist began talking to me about my weight. My diabetes was steadily getting worse, asthma, sleep apnea, hypothyroid, and the list goes on! I called my insurance companyand talked with them about my options. To make a long story short, I was sleeved on 2/19 and I am down 24 pounds. My blood sugars are improving and anticipate being completely off insulin in the next 6 months. I have had my ups and downs, it is hard to get in my Protein and Water every day. I track what I drink (sip). I use a 5 ounce measuring glass and log each one completed. My biggest struggle is that I am not hungry. I get in the Protein because I have to but I am not hungry at all!
Would I do this again? In a heartbeat. Fortunately I have several sizes of clothes in my closet and as I lose I am clearing them out. I shop Goodwill, consignment shops, Wal-Mart, Target, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, until I reach my goal.
I enjoy reading the updates! Keep up the good work everyone.

Hi! I am 59 soon to be 60 in May. Last summer my Endocrinologist began talking to me about my weight. My diabetes was steadily getting worse, asthma, sleep apnea, hypothyroid, and the list goes on! I called my insurance companyand talked with them about my options. To make a long story short, I was sleeved on 2/19 and I am down 24 pounds. My blood sugars are improving and anticipate being completely off insulin in the next 6 months. I have had my ups and downs, it is hard to get in my Protein and Water every day. I track what I drink (sip). I use a 5 ounce measuring glass and log each one completed. My biggest struggle is that I am not hungry. I get in the Protein because I have to but I am not hungry at all!
Would I do this again? In a heartbeat. Fortunately I have several sizes of clothes in my closet and as I lose I am clearing them out. I shop Goodwill, consignment shops, Wal-Mart, Target, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, until I reach my goal.
I enjoy reading the updates! Keep up the good work everyone.

Hi there! I'm a young 53, sleeved Oct 11, 2012, and have gone from size 24 (278 lbs. Last August) and I am now 200 lbs, size 16. People say I look 20 years younger! Mind you they can't see under my clothes, the flabbedity, sagetty skin, but with my Spanx on and a good bra, the image looks pretty good. Naked is a whole different thing-but my husband's not complaining, believe me! I've hit my first stall, other than that and a little Constipation early on, it's been great! Looking forward to life instead of just looking forward to food! Good luck!

Congrats on making the decision to change your life!!! I was sleeved on August 17, 2012. I thought 52 was too old but decided I wanted to enjoy the rest of my life getting out and about without fear and pain, my knees and body hurt all the time. The best decision I made just for me! I have a ways to go and life gets in the way of constant exercise, but I have lost 85 pounds since the surgery. The challenges of day to day issues before the surgery have made these challenges bearable. I put it all in perspective. I can play with my grands without the pains! I am grateful for the new beginning. It will only get better...even with the stalls...ugh;-)

Thanks everyone! Like I said, I can handle pain. After my csections I never took anything more then Motrin. It's good to know that the nausea meds work. That's what's scaring me the most. I know long term I won't regret this, so whatever I have to do ill do!

It's sad, though, that WLS is still considered "taboo."

Everyone has their own feeling and strong opinions about who needs to know what about themselves. I didn't tell and don't plan on disclosing my personal issues with others. Just like I didn't tell others (even though very proud of him), I don't go around telling others about my husband vasectomy. Nor do I tell others about my surgery for a prolasped uterus due to (proudly), having 3 ten pound babies. I also didn't tell others about a wart I had removed from my butt when I was in jr high.. Oh and I don't tell people my front tooth is fake, due to a friend pushing my face into a Water fountain when I was in fourth grade. I'm not ashamed of anything I do or have. I just think its no ones business or for the fact... others probably don't give a $ H I T anyway!

Thank you for your reply, wondering1, I'm sitting here 2am in UK, can't sleep, and trying to work out why I feel so sad when everyone tells me I'm doing so well!

Hormones... that makes sense, right, gonna try and sleep now, hope that will sort it out!

Thanks DidZ X

I'm 55 and @ 50 I lost all my weight via lapband and yes there was saggy skin and I anticipate it again, but I'll take saggy skin over being fat any day! Spanx is my new BFF

Hi! I am 59 soon to be 60 in May. Last summer my Endocrinologist began talking to me about my weight. My diabetes was steadily getting worse, asthma, sleep apnea, hypothyroid, and the list goes on! I called my insurance companyand talked with them about my options. To make a long story short, I was sleeved on 2/19 and I am down 24 pounds. My blood sugars are improving and anticipate being completely off insulin in the next 6 months. I have had my ups and downs, it is hard to get in my Protein and Water every day. I track what I drink (sip). I use a 5 ounce measuring glass and log each one completed. My biggest struggle is that I am not hungry. I get in the Protein because I have to but I am not hungry at all!
Would I do this again? In a heartbeat. Fortunately I have several sizes of clothes in my closet and as I lose I am clearing them out. I shop Goodwill, consignment shops, Wal-Mart, Target, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, until I reach my goal.
I enjoy reading the updates! Keep up the good work everyone.

Everyone's skin is different, so you will just have to loose & see what happens! But I agree with everyone else...a little saggy skin is nothing compared to good health! & you can always have it removed if it bothers you that much! I'm 52 also & am looking forward to my new body...saggy & all! Lol....good luck on your journey!

I'm 56 and had my surgery 12/27/12. Like you, my main reason for the surgery was (hopefully) getting rid of diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. My diabetes has been bad enough that I've worn an insulin pump for the last 4 years (taking close to 150 units of insulin a day). Since my surgery, I have not had to wear my insulin pump (I occasionally have to inject 1-2 units of insulin, but not everyday) and I'm taking half the amount of pills for HBP. Don't lose sight of the prize - good health. Any loose skin will be well worth it!!