Hello, my name is Julie. I am a wife and the proud mother of 3 wonderful children. I am also a Lucky patient of Dr. Thomas Byrne at MUSC’s Bariatric Surgery Program. My journey truly began in 2010; I weighed in at 226 pounds. I had spoken with my general physician on several occasions about my weight and the attempts that I had made (weight watchers, Jenny Craig, etc). My doctor suggested that I call MUSC’s bariatric surgery program for a consultation. I went home that day and researched weight loss surgery. I called that same afternoon for a consult appointment. My first sign that I was doing the right thing should have been the caring voice of Lisa Jackson. She helped get my consult set up and all of my questions answered. My consult went awesome. Dr. Byrne made me feel so welcome and most of all I felt that he cared about me, I was not just another fat chick in his office telling him "I am fat, please fix it". We went over the three different surgery options available, along with the risks and benefits to each. We discussed my goals and expectations as well as spending a great deal of time going over my health history. I also got to meet with one of the Registered Dieticians on staff. After consulting with Dr. Byrne, we decided that the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy was my best option for me. I felt so prepared after this appointment; all I needed to do was to set the date.

After several months of research and red tape with my insurance I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in August of 2011. I had a slight bump in the road during recovery but nothing that Dr. Byrne and his amazing staff could not handle! I had developed a small blood clot in my abdominal cavity. Dr. Byrne and his physician’s assistant Diana quickly had me on the mend with the utmost care and compassion! Every day was better and better! I am now 7 months post VSG; I must say that I have never felt better! I wake up every day thankful for Dr. Byrne giving me this amazing "tool" to help me to become a healthy ME. This "tool" has worked so well for me with the help of Dr. Byrne’s team of registered dietician’s as well, Debbie and Nina. I have learned how to make healthier choices at home as well as at the supermarket (thanks to the supermarket tours and monthly support group meetings). I can’t say thank you enough! Thank You!!!!

I am so happy to say that I have lost 70% of my excess body weight! I have lost 75 pounds and feel amazing. I am riding my bike at least 3 times per week, I go to an awesome Zumba class (Zumba with Alma) two to three times per week, and I am doing the 10 minute trainer videos at home. I try to stay current with support group meetings and other activities when I can. They are so informative, even for non surgical folks.

I will tell anyone that asks me; Dr. Byrne and his staff (Diana, Debbie, Nina, Lisa, and the amazing nurses) are the best!!! I have seen other surgeons talk about weight loss surgery so I can truly tell you that I would send

anyone to see Dr. Byrne! I actually did send my mother and my sister in law. My mother had Gastric Bypass in July 2011 and my sister in law is planning to have VSG in the next couple of months.

Julie P

Thanks for the story :-) You are a success !

Hello, good for you! How did you know you had the blood clot??

Awesome job!! Congrats!!!

Thank you so much for the support

Thanks for sharing...I hope to lose 75-80 pounds in a years time! I am on the countdown to my sleeve, April 10th and starting to have the pre-sleeve jitters! Asking questions of myself like...Do I really know all the ins and outs of the operation and long term effect on my life (health wise)? Do I have realistic expectations (to have most weight off within a year?) Will I really use this tool to my benefit or will I be weak and undisciplined (like what got me here in the first place)? I keep thinking that even twenty pounds lost will feel so much better and allow me a bit more energy and desire to workout (starting immediately with walking). Well, thanks for sharing you post, it helps in these times!

You got this. Trust in yourself. You can do it!

Carolina, Thank you for sharing your story.

What were your symptoms for the blood clot? How soon afterwards did you have the blood clot--while still in the hospital?

Wishing you continued success!!

The blood clot made me feel very weak and nausea! My blood levels were dropping which made the doctor check with a CTscan, looking for a possible leak. No leak, thank goodness. The clot was discovered at 1 week post op. I was home and going in for my first post op visit. It took about a week or so to clear up. Then all good! :-)