Hello, my name is Sara and I have finally decided to share my VSG story. I had the VSG procedure on 12/28/2011 and I have my 9 month post op check up next week. I was 309lbs when I went to have a consultation appointment with my surgeon back in September 2011. I always considered myself as healthy except for my weight because I didn't have any comorbideties.

What really got me wanting to do something about my weight was when my husband was in a motorcycle accident (June 2011) and he was diagnosed with diabetes. While in the hospital and dealing with his diagnosis, he turned to me and said "if any one should have diabetes, it should be you, not me". He's 6'1" and weighs about 225 and I am 5'4" and I weighed 309. That comment he made was the final straw. I was finally going to do something about my weight and knew surgery was my only option because I had tried to do it on my own so many times before and failed.

I waited until he was all healed up from his accident and on my birthday (September 1) I called Dr Castro's office and set up the appointment that would ultimately change my life forever. I was was very fortunate to have such great insurance because I only had to do 3 month nutrition class before they would approve my surgery. The dr did have me also do a psychiatric evaluation, but that was all I had to do.

A week before I finished the 3 month nutrition class, my dr's office went ahead and submitted my case to my insurance and that next week they had the approval and I had my surgery date and had to go in the next day for the pre op appointment and start my pre op liquid diet.

I remember the day of the surgery like it was yesterday. I was so scared because I had never had any surgeries before and I have 4 boys and was so worried that something would go wrong and they would be left without a mother. I have never had any broken bones or anything. The dr and his team came and talked to me and got me to relax and I don't remember much after getting in the OR and them getting me situated on the operating table.

I was up and walking just 4 hours after surgery and have been moving ever since. I've lost a total of 135 lbs and my current weight is 174 lbs. I've gone from a size 26/28 to a 10/12 in just 9 short months. It has been such an amazing journey and I'm so proud of how far I've come and all the work I have done. For once in my life, I finally have some self esteem and my life is changing everyday for the better. I just got a promotion at work which has allowed me to finally afford to hire a lawyer so I can finally file for a divorce. I won't go into a lot of details, but the marriage has been very bad for a long time.

I always stayed because I never thought I could do any better. Now I finally believe I deserve to be treated better and I actually love myself enough to finally let go of all the bad stuff and do what's best for me and my boys.

I'm excited to see where I'll be at my 1 year anniversary (which is only 3 months away). I only have 34lbs.to go to reach my goal weight. The surgery saved my life in more than just my weight. It was the best decision I have ever made for myself! Sorry for the long story and thank you for taking the time to read it!

Congrats, you look great! I am 21/2 weeks out and can't wait to be where you are at!!

Congratulations to you and good luck on your journey! A typical day for me is get up at 5am and do a quick 30 minute cardio excercise of some sort' date=' then take my Vitamins and get ready for work. Before I leave, I make a Protein drink with the nectar Protein powder and drink that on the way to work (I have a 45min-1 hour commute). Have either some Cereal or oatmeal for Breakfast usually around 7:30 or so. Have a light snack around 10am (usually either yogurt, string cheese, trail mix, or fruit). Have lunch around 12:30, usually leftovers from dinner the night before. Then another snack around 3pm (usually something with some carbs and protein like fruit and 2 tbsp of Peanut Butter or cottage cheese and some fruit). I hi to the gym for about 1 1/2 hours after work and do another hour of cardio and 1/2 hour of weights. Make another Protein Drink with the nectar protein for the ride home. Get home clean a little bit or play a sport with the boys outside, make dinner (usually either chicken, turkey or fish for the protein and will have a vegetable & carb of some sort). Get the boys ready for bed and then watch a little tv and relax for a bit. That's a typical day for me. You can feel free to message me if you have anymore questions. [/quote']

OMG you are so inspirational!! Since I started pursuing this surgery I keep hearing that it is a tool and you will have to put in work. You are a testament to using this as a tool and with the work you can definitely achieve great results! Thanks again for sharing your story. You truly are an aspiration.

Congrats! That is so inspiring and I am so happy for your success!

I'm nervous about surgery. I am definitely going to have it. Like you pre-op, I have never had major surgery (other than wisdom teeth). I did undergo 31 shots of anesthetic in my mouth for dental surgery. But I still find going under general anesthesia scarier than the 31 shots for dental surgery. It helps to read about other people's experiences. I appreciate your sharing your experience.

Wow - what a success story! It sounds like the sleeve has helped you change your life in many ways. Congratulations on all of your hard work.

Totally agree, your story is inspirational and you certainly deserve all the good that is coming your way, thank you, it is people like you that really help the doubts to go away, :-)

Outstanding story. Thank you so much for sharing.

Loved your story! Post some pics!

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These are the before and after pictures I described in an above comment. My drs office was supposed to email me the pictures that they have, but I haven't received them yet.

To Sfernandez: YOU GO GIRL! You are worth it. Please keep us posted on your progress would love to know what my life will be like in one year. I'm getting sleeved on October 9th.

Wow! Amazing! You look wonderful! Congrats!

WOW!!!!

Awesome! You look wonderful!!!

You look great. Can't wait to tuck in a shirt and wear a belt too!!!

Your story brought tears to my eyes. Your amazing and strong in so many ways.CONGRATS ON THE NEW YOU.........