Surely you are someone outside of your surgery and struggles with our weight. You have interests and dislikes and families- jobs and hobbies. And honestly- yes it is exciting to have this stool and to be on the journey- but hasn't there been enough focus all our lives on just our weight?

I know VST is dedicated to our VSG stories, but I sort of think that who we are makes our VSG surgeries that much more meaningful.

So I'll go first...

I'm Danielle. I'm 27 and I have three sisters and one nephew. I am unmarried and have no children. I work full time running the office for a respiratory company. This semester I am also attending college full time via online classes. I'm now also trying to squeeze in going to the gym three times a week.

I suffer from PCOS and had this surgery to help increase my chances of having a family of my own one day.

I am a TOTAL girly girl! I love the color pink, I like Hello Kitty the way others like Betty Boop or Tinkerbell, and I HATE HATE HATE spiders! I'm not much of an outdoorsie person- my idea of roughing it is five girls and one bathroom. That being said I do love to garden and can't wait for spring.

I love anything to do with 16th century european history and am a total fanatical nut when it comes to Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I. My favorite movie and book of allllllllll time is Gone With the Wind. I love watching old movies with my mom- our favorites are Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, anything with Doris Day and the Tammy movies. We also make a point of watching A League of Their Own together whenever it is on tv. I'm close with my Dad but sometimes I feel like we don't have anything in common.

Prior to surgery I loved home cooked food! (Along with chinese and pizza hut haha) I still enjoy cooking for my family (One sister, my parents and I all live together for economic reasons) and resumed cooking them meals within a few days of coming home from the hospital. I have a dog, she is a chihuahua/yorkie mix. Her name is Gypsy and well... she is sort of a monster!! I <3 her tho!

Now it's your turn!! Tell us who you are!

10 Days out!!

SITREP:

Hello everyone, getting close! I am a 40 year old, Retied 20 year US Army who has been struggling with my weight since 2006.

I did my ultra-sound for my liver, gallbladder, and kidneys among a few of the organs I’m assuming need to be checked out, results for them technician went VERY well. I’ll see my doctor, Dr. Parker at Walter Reed Medical Hospital this Wednesday along with the other specialist in preparation for my surgery on the 30^th.

Current Diet / Exercise Plan:

Height 5ft 6in

Starting Weight: 249lbs June 2014

Current Weight: 238lbs October 2014

Goal Weight: 170lbs

As for the 2 week liquid diet, I have been not following it to a “T”, I guess…what I have been doing is a two liquid one meal a day plan, leading into a pure liquid starting on the Monday (three days out). I have also been doing plenty of exercise to ensure the blood is flowing, at least an hour of cardio (3 miles / 45min treadmill and strength workout) 3 to 4 days out of the week.

Overall:

I am getting VERY excited, I cannot wait for my surgery, because all I hear are nothing but POSTIVE results, a few minor issues, but 9/10 are VERY successful, basically people are “reborn” and this is what I want. I want to be able to do the things I used to do when I was 25-28 and I know I can.

I think considering my current health and weight, I’m doing pretty good, no major issues!!!

Any thoughts, concerns with my diet plan will be greatly appreciated!!

I'm am a 60 yr old going on 25 (at least in my mind). I am a grandmother of two (boy, 9, and girl, 7) and mother of 4 boys, 24 - 36. I'm married for almost 16 years. As you can tell from my username I currently live in San Jose, actually south of, in beautiful Morgan Hill, CA.

Along with my wonderful children, grandchildren and husband, I love sewing, especially quilts, horseback riding, scuba diving, traveling, nursing, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am a middle class citizen, pretty much a regular person, hard-working with a strong work ethic. I have worked since I was 14 and been VERY active my entire life. I've had a successful and rewarding career from day one.

Being overweight has been a struggle since as far back as I can remember. When I look at pictures from my youth, I wasn't heavy at all! However with my name "peggy", I was knick-named "piggy-peggy" or "piglet" by not only my family (3 siblings and parents) but also extended family and friends and ex-husband. This became my self-image: that of a pig!

I've dieted constantly. I've tried every diet that was "vogue ", every "do it yourself " diet, even many that I paid tons of money for, only to regain the weight almost instantly. Often I gained more than I lost.

By the time I decided on a gastric sleeve, I was terminally frustrated with all diets, pills, exercise programs, and gimmicks. Through my job , I had the opportunity to thoroughly investigate all forms of surgery and surgeons in the area. I had access to all of their statistics.

I chose my surgery and surgeon, Marc Zare, carefully. I had my surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. It was an exceptional experience all the way around. Dr Zare is wonderful!!! GSH was superb!!!!

Since surgery, 5 months ago, I've lost 95 pounds!!! The only problem I've had was Vitamin B-12 toxicity, not a small problem. My lower legs and feet tingled and were difficult to control. In fact, I had unrelated back pain at the same time, even went to the ED, my PCP, and a neurosurgeon. I thought I need back surgery.

Then when I had my blood tests at 3-months post-op, we found my B-12 was outside the high limit which was 3x normal. I had been taking sub-lingual B-12 from day 1 post-op. BTW, all my other labs were perfect.

The final part of my story is that it takes a long time for B-12 to leave your system. It is a month later and I still have lesser but nevertheless some symptoms. I have fallen several times due to this. It is not fun.

I'm very much looking forward to this weight loss journey. I haven't run into any huge issues, though no doubt I will. All in good time.

I still am very active, still working hard, enjoying my newly developing body. My goal is a BMI under 25. I'm at 29.05 currently. 4 points to go!

I'm am a 60 yr old going on 25 (at least in my mind). I am a grandmother of two (boy, 9, and girl, 7) and mother of 4 boys, 24 - 36. I'm married for almost 16 years. As you can tell from my username I currently live in San Jose, actually south of, in beautiful Morgan Hill, CA.

Along with my wonderful children, grandchildren and husband, I love sewing, especially quilts, horseback riding, scuba diving, traveling, nursing, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am a middle class citizen, pretty much a regular person, hard-working with a strong work ethic. I have worked since I was 14 and been VERY active my entire life. I've had a successful and rewarding career from day one.

Being overweight has been a struggle since as far back as I can remember. When I look at pictures from my youth, I wasn't heavy at all! However with my name "peggy", I was knick-named "piggy-peggy" or "piglet" by not only my family (3 siblings and parents) but also extended family and friends and ex-husband. This became my self-image: that of a pig!

I've dieted constantly. I've tried every diet that was "vogue ", every "do it yourself " diet, even many that I paid tons of money for, only to regain the weight almost instantly. Often I gained more than I lost.

By the time I decided on a gastric sleeve, I was terminally frustrated with all diets, pills, exercise programs, and gimmicks. Through my job , I had the opportunity to thoroughly investigate all forms of surgery and surgeons in the area. I had access to all of their statistics.

I chose my surgery and surgeon, Marc Zare, carefully. I had my surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. It was an exceptional experience all the way around. Dr Zare is wonderful!!! GSH was superb!!!!

Since surgery, 5 months ago, I've lost 95 pounds!!! The only problem I've had was Vitamin B-12 toxicity, not a small problem. My lower legs and feet tingled and were difficult to control. In fact, I had unrelated back pain at the same time, even went to the ED, my PCP, and a neurosurgeon. I thought I need back surgery.

Then when I had my blood tests at 3-months post-op, we found my B-12 was outside the high limit which was 3x normal. I had been taking sub-lingual B-12 from day 1 post-op. BTW, all my other labs were perfect.

The final part of my story is that it takes a long time for B-12 to leave your system. It is a month later and I still have lesser but nevertheless some symptoms. I have fallen several times due to this. It is not fun.

I'm very much looking forward to this weight loss journey. I haven't run into any huge issues, though no doubt I will. All in good time.

I still am very active, still working hard, enjoying my newly developing body. My goal is a BMI under 25. I'm at 29.05 currently. 4 points to go!

I'm am a 60 yr old going on 25 (at least in my mind). I am a grandmother of two (boy, 9, and girl, 7) and mother of 4 boys, 24 - 36. I'm married for almost 16 years. As you can tell from my username I currently live in San Jose, actually south of, in beautiful Morgan Hill, CA.

Along with my wonderful children, grandchildren and husband, I love sewing, especially quilts, horseback riding, scuba diving, traveling, nursing, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am a middle class citizen, pretty much a regular person, hard-working with a strong work ethic. I have worked since I was 14 and been VERY active my entire life. I've had a successful and rewarding career from day one.

Being overweight has been a struggle since as far back as I can remember. When I look at pictures from my youth, I wasn't heavy at all! However with my name "peggy", I was knick-named "piggy-peggy" or "piglet" by not only my family (3 siblings and parents) but also extended family and friends and ex-husband. This became my self-image: that of a pig!

I've dieted constantly. I've tried every diet that was "vogue ", every "do it yourself " diet, even many that I paid tons of money for, only to regain the weight almost instantly. Often I gained more than I lost.

By the time I decided on a gastric sleeve, I was terminally frustrated with all diets, pills, exercise programs, and gimmicks. Through my job , I had the opportunity to thoroughly investigate all forms of surgery and surgeons in the area. I had access to all of their statistics.

I chose my surgery and surgeon, Marc Zare, carefully. I had my surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. It was an exceptional experience all the way around. Dr Zare is wonderful!!! GSH was superb!!!!

Since surgery, 5 months ago, I've lost 95 pounds!!! The only problem I've had was Vitamin B-12 toxicity, not a small problem. My lower legs and feet tingled and were difficult to control. In fact, I had unrelated back pain at the same time, even went to the ED, my PCP, and a neurosurgeon. I thought I need back surgery.

Then when I had my blood tests at 3-months post-op, we found my B-12 was outside the high limit which was 3x normal. I had been taking sub-lingual B-12 from day 1 post-op. BTW, all my other labs were perfect.

The final part of my story is that it takes a long time for B-12 to leave your system. It is a month later and I still have lesser but nevertheless some symptoms. I have fallen several times due to this. It is not fun.

I'm very much looking forward to this weight loss journey. I haven't run into any huge issues, though no doubt I will. All in good time.

I still am very active, still working hard, enjoying my newly developing body. My goal is a BMI under 25. I'm at 29.05 currently. 4 points to go!

I'm am a 60 yr old going on 25 (at least in my mind). I am a grandmother of two (boy, 9, and girl, 7) and mother of 4 boys, 24 - 36. I'm married for almost 16 years. As you can tell from my username I currently live in San Jose, actually south of, in beautiful Morgan Hill, CA.

Along with my wonderful children, grandchildren and husband, I love sewing, especially quilts, horseback riding, scuba diving, traveling, nursing, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am a middle class citizen, pretty much a regular person, hard-working with a strong work ethic. I have worked since I was 14 and been VERY active my entire life. I've had a successful and rewarding career from day one.

Being overweight has been a struggle since as far back as I can remember. When I look at pictures from my youth, I wasn't heavy at all! However with my name "peggy", I was knick-named "piggy-peggy" or "piglet" by not only my family (3 siblings and parents) but also extended family and friends and ex-husband. This became my self-image: that of a pig!

I've dieted constantly. I've tried every diet that was "vogue ", every "do it yourself " diet, even many that I paid tons of money for, only to regain the weight almost instantly. Often I gained more than I lost.

By the time I decided on a gastric sleeve, I was terminally frustrated with all diets, pills, exercise programs, and gimmicks. Through my job , I had the opportunity to thoroughly investigate all forms of surgery and surgeons in the area. I had access to all of their statistics.

I chose my surgery and surgeon, Marc Zare, carefully. I had my surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. It was an exceptional experience all the way around. Dr Zare is wonderful!!! GSH was superb!!!!

Since surgery, 5 months ago, I've lost 95 pounds!!! The only problem I've had was Vitamin B-12 toxicity, not a small problem. My lower legs and feet tingled and were difficult to control. In fact, I had unrelated back pain at the same time, even went to the ED, my PCP, and a neurosurgeon. I thought I need back surgery.

Then when I had my blood tests at 3-months post-op, we found my B-12 was outside the high limit which was 3x normal. I had been taking sub-lingual B-12 from day 1 post-op. BTW, all my other labs were perfect.

The final part of my story is that it takes a long time for B-12 to leave your system. It is a month later and I still have lesser but nevertheless some symptoms. I have fallen several times due to this. It is not fun.

I'm very much looking forward to this weight loss journey. I haven't run into any huge issues, though no doubt I will. All in good time.

I still am very active, still working hard, enjoying my newly developing body. My goal is a BMI under 25. I'm at 29.05 currently. 4 points to go!

My name is Gordon. I work and live in Las Vegas. I may be one of the few men on here, so I guess I will offer a different perspective. I am 64 and have had an incredible life thus far. I have had so many careers: Opera Singer, One of the Founders for a chain of Indoor Soccer Arenas, Real Estate Agent and currently just inducted into the Private Events Hall of Fame. Mostly do weddings! I love making couples happy on their special day.

I have really bad arthritis and have been very overweight for the past 10 years. I climbed to 320 and decidedly that with my high blood pressure and so much abdominal weight that leads to heart trouble that I would have the Gastric Sleeve. I did just that on Sept 19th with Dr Umbach in Vegas. He and the Blossom Bariatric Clinic are just terrific.

I have lost about 35 lbs since my surgery check in weight of 301. Today I weigh 275 lab and am really happy.

Trying to learn to eat real food now and it has been a bit difficult.

So glad I found this website. Good luck to all of you.

10 Days out!!

SITREP:

Hello everyone, getting close! I am a 40 year old, Retied 20 year US Army who has been struggling with my weight since 2006.

I did my ultra-sound for my liver, gallbladder, and kidneys among a few of the organs I’m assuming need to be checked out, results for them technician went VERY well. I’ll see my doctor, Dr. Parker at Walter Reed Medical Hospital this Wednesday along with the other specialist in preparation for my surgery on the 30^th.

Current Diet / Exercise Plan:

Height 5ft 6in

Starting Weight: 249lbs June 2014

Current Weight: 238lbs October 2014

Goal Weight: 170lbs

As for the 2 week liquid diet, I have been not following it to a “T”, I guess…what I have been doing is a two liquid one meal a day plan, leading into a pure liquid starting on the Monday (three days out). I have also been doing plenty of exercise to ensure the blood is flowing, at least an hour of cardio (3 miles / 45min treadmill and strength workout) 3 to 4 days out of the week.

Overall:

I am getting VERY excited, I cannot wait for my surgery, because all I hear are nothing but POSTIVE results, a few minor issues, but 9/10 are VERY successful, basically people are “reborn” and this is what I want. I want to be able to do the things I used to do when I was 25-28 and I know I can.

I think considering my current health and weight, I’m doing pretty good, no major issues!!!

Any thoughts, concerns with my diet plan will be greatly appreciated!!

Stick to the diet plan as much as you can because it is very important that your liver shrinks enough so they can get to the stomach. You can do it and Thank You for your service. I am a Vietnam Vet.

Hello October sleevers. I'm scheduled for 10/30 and will begin my pre-op plan beginning tomorrow. I've been out crawling through the past posts and have traveled the journey via blog with several of you now post sleevers.

If I could only take one item with me to the hospital what would suggest. I'm traveling from Alaska with only a small bag so what I pack has to count.

Are there other 10/30 sleevers out there?

The one thing you need is a small pillow for getting up and for the ride home. Mine was a huge support

I'm Kourtney, I am a registered nurse currently, but have worked in past lives as a sous chef, and as a food production manager for the catering department of one of the largest universities in the northeast. During my time in those positions, I have cooked meals for three presidents!

I have also dabbled in real estate; as a landlord, house flipper, and real estate agent. I put myself through nursing school between the ages of 27 and 29 after the real estate market burst, and found that I am pretty good at emergency nursing as well.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, weight lifting, paddle boarding, reading, and movies. I am a fairly recent transplant from the cold climates of New England, and Upstate NY to the beautiful sunny climate of Southwest Florida, and I have to say that I don't miss the cold!

On the WLS side of things, I had VSG in May of 2014 and have lost nearly 65 pounds. I am about 25 pounds from my goal, and even if I don't lose another pound I am happy to say that this surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself!

Hi, I'm Shirley. I'm 42 and never married. The me underneath the weight is a girl who loves God and creating art. One of my dreams is to be able to make a living as an artist. Which is why I work full time as a bank teller lol. I love Contemporary Christian music, Pure Flix films, NCIS, and old episodes of Northern Exposure. I'm a total book nerd, as evidenced by my book hoarding.

I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life, and as a result, my life always seemed to be on hold. You know, "I'll meet the right guy when I lose weight", "I'll find a better job once I get down a few pounds". I'm an introvert by nature, and the weight gave me a convenient excuse to just exist rather than live.

In a way, I feel like having sleeve surgery is like hitting the reset button on my life. It's a second chance. And I don't want to waste it.

Hi, I'm Shirley. I'm 42 and never married. The me underneath the weight is a girl who loves God and creating art. One of my dreams is to be able to make a living as an artist. Which is why I work full time as a bank teller lol. I love Contemporary Christian music, Pure Flix films, NCIS, and old episodes of Northern Exposure. I'm a total book nerd, as evidenced by my book hoarding.

I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life, and as a result, my life always seemed to be on hold. You know, "I'll meet the right guy when I lose weight", "I'll find a better job once I get down a few pounds". I'm an introvert by nature, and the weight gave me a convenient excuse to just exist rather than live.

In a way, I feel like having sleeve surgery is like hitting the reset button on my life. It's a second chance. And I don't want to waste it.

I know exactly how you feel. I keep waiting for my life to start????

Hi, I'm Shirley. I'm 42 and never married. The me underneath the weight is a girl who loves God and creating art. One of my dreams is to be able to make a living as an artist. Which is why I work full time as a bank teller lol. I love Contemporary Christian music, Pure Flix films, NCIS, and old episodes of Northern Exposure. I'm a total book nerd, as evidenced by my book hoarding.

I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life, and as a result, my life always seemed to be on hold. You know, "I'll meet the right guy when I lose weight", "I'll find a better job once I get down a few pounds". I'm an introvert by nature, and the weight gave me a convenient excuse to just exist rather than live.

In a way, I feel like having sleeve surgery is like hitting the reset button on my life. It's a second chance. And I don't want to waste it.

I know exactly how you feel. I keep waiting for my life to start????

Hello. .. Im shelley and I'm in the uk. .. I was approved last week for surgery on the NHS.... wow! !! I'm elated I really am! !! I cried and cried all day. He had given me the choice of s bypass or a sleeve. ... I'm gearing more twds the sleeve I think. ... In do looking fwd to this amazing journey. The photos and threads on here are truly an inspiration. The only fears I have are hair loss and never being able to go out for a meal as a family again. .. oh and bring broke. . Add I'll have to buy a new wardrobe every month! !! X

Hi everyone,

I am a 32 year old career female living in the greater Seattle area. I have no pets and am in a committed relationship.

I had my Gastric Sleeve surgery on 10/3/13, after finding out 7 months prior that I had gastroparesis. I was told there was no cure and no medications to help so just don't eat high Fiber foods. I was able to do that but the more activity I had, the worse my stomach functioned. I met my surgeon through my best friend, who was a patient of his. I talked to him about my issues at the free seminar and he encouraged me to come in and redo my testing. As I was hovering around 300lb, I figured it couldn't hurt. We repeated my tests and yep, I had issues.

There are only 3 possible ways to treat the condition, implant electrodes for those with a healthy BMI, or do bariatric surgery (Sleeve or RNY). I did my research and soul searching and decided on the sleeve as my best option. In order to be successful with surgery, I knew I had to change my life, not only my eating habits, but the living situation I was in. I was approached by my best friend, asking me if I would like a roommate. I jumped on the chance and haven’t looked back.

I just had my 1 year labs done and received the results and it appears that we found the right level of supplements for me. My next challenge is the gallbladder that decided it didn’t like the loss of 100+ of its fat cell friends. Surgery for that is scheduled 11/11.

I look forward to talking to other sleevers and hope that I will get some new tips, tricks and ideas on how to deal with stress eating, exercise motivation and all that other fun stuff.

Hi everyone, I'm Rocco from Jakarta, Indonesia.

I have been dealing with my weight as long as I could remember. My biggest weight was 137 kg and my height is 167 cm. I am considered morbid obese. I finally did my Gastric Sleeve surgery in Jakarta on 24 October 2014.

I wrote down my background, my post op, surgery and my updates on my blog: www.gastricsleevemiracle.blogspot.com

I hope my blog would help fellow sleevers and would inspire all of you.