After being very overweight and hating life for a lot of years, I finally made the decision to talk to my doc about weight lose surgery. He agreed because of my high blood pressure and other assorted weight-related issures that is was a good idea. I had tried several different methods ie Weight watcher, Healthy Ways, with no lasting results, the most I lost was 25 lbs on WW and I was starving all the time. I went to see the surgeon, Dr. Im in Richmond, and had decided to do the band because I wasn't keen on the idea of having my insides re-routed. Dr. Im asked if I would be interested in doing another procedure that Kaiser was going to be offering, gastric sleeve. He explained it all to me and I said "Hell yes."

That has been the best decision I've made in a long time. I started at 249 lbs in April 2009, I had surgery on July 20th and have lost 57 lbs to date. I have gone from a size 18/20 to a 12/14 and almost need to get smaller clothes again.(Baggy saggy pants don't cut it!)

My blood pressure is perfect, I am able to exercise without being in major pain (arthritis) and I am loving life now. I would recommend anyone thinking of doing the band to ask about the sleeve.

Edited September 29, 200916 yr by Slimgranny
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Slimgranny, welcome to VST! We are glad to have you join us and share your story with us. It sounds like you are doing fabulous thus far. We look forward to getting to know you better.

Thank you for sharing your story. I have been thinking over if I want the surgery since my consultation in July and have decided to do it. I am always so encouraged when someone shares there story and there positive outcome. I am of course nervous, and anxious but think it is got to be the best surgical solution. I never heard of the sleeve until the surgeon told me he offered that as well.

I am going in this Thursday to find out about my pre-op testing and set a date. I am probably going to wait until February because I work in a school and we have a week off then so I will take an additional week.

I have been sick trying to make the decision but have decided to go for it! Now I do feel some excitement for what lies ahead after the surgery part is over.

Thanks again for sharing

Hey there and welcome to VST. Thanks for sharing your story, and I look forward to hearing even more of your progress.

Welcome and thank you for telling your story. It is so good to hear about the successful outcomes from vsg.

Welcome Slimgranny and Dybarra - thank you for sharing your stories.

Slimgranny you are doing great - keep it up

Dybarra - you have made a good decision and will be happy with your decision - keep us posted on your progress.

We're here for you both anytime you need us!

Thank you for sharing your story. I was nervous before surgery but now post op I know this is the best thing I could have ever done for myself.