Hi Everyone,

I am celebrating year 5 of having a very successful weight loss surgery! I was 63 when I had sleeve surgery done, so it is never too late to have weight loss surgery!!!!

This was very best choice I have ever made in my life. I had my Weight Loss Surgery in Oct 2008. After a lot of investigating and considering all the doctors and places I could have my surgery. I made the choice to have Dr. Aceves in Mexicalli Mexico do my surgery. I was a self-pay, and believe me I really checked out every option there was. I was an older person and I really took my time to figure out what was best for me. I talked to a lot of different people who had already had weight loss surgery about who their doctors were.

It wasn’t something I rushed into. It took me about 6 months before I knew for sure that I was going to the right place for me. I also made the choice to have VGS aka the sleeve. I lost of total of 105 pounds and it took me 14 months to do this. Was it easy, yes and no? The 1^st month was the hardest month I had to do. After that it just kept getting better and easier each month. It is NOT a magical cure. It is my tool to allow me to use to reach my goal. The big question you are thinking is have I maintained my weight loss goal? The answer is YES, I fluctuate between 5 to 7 pounds sometimes. I still eat healthy, make sure I get enough Protein and stay away from too many carbs. It accurately is a lifestyle change NOT a diet. It is easy for me to live like this and eat like this for the rest of my life. I have some really delicious meals and I never feel deprived at all. Do I eat deserts, yes and it is made healthy and is extremely good. Do I eat deserts every day; the answer is no. I love all the lifestyle changes I have made in my life and it will always work for me.

I was the person who hated to exercise. Now I do something every day. Last Sept, I thought I would just see if I could walk 7 days a week for a month and I did just that. Well that became a good habit and I walked EVERY DAY for one YEAR without missing a day. Yes, I walked outside when it was raining or not nice weather—I am always coming back home, so I will get dry if I get wet while walking. I walked between 3 ½ miles to 4 miles a day. Five years ago, I could have never walked that much. Find some type of exercise that you like and it will be easier to do. Start out slow and then add to it. You don’t have to do it 7 days a week, but do something at least 3 or 5 times a week.

I want you to know that you too can become successful at weight loss. I am 68 now and life is so different for me. If you are thinking about having weight loss surgery, I am living proof that it does work and you can do it too.

Suzanne Beaty

Sleeved Oct 21, 2008

Edited October 22, 201312 yr by Suzannesh

Thank you for sharing your WLS story. I love reading inspiring and motivational stories. Yours was a great one especially at 5 years out. Thank you so much.

Suzanne, it is great to get re- confirmation of this surgery from someone who is so far out. To the best of my knowledge ( not that great) I think your post is from someone who had their op the longest period ago. Bad English but I hope you know what I mean.

Surgery 18 months ago for me and it has been slow (very slow in places) and steady. I have lost 92lb and have 8 to go to my goal. I love my sleeve and I could not have been in this position without it.

We have a vets forum here please drop in and say hi, I'm sure we would have lots of questions for you.

Suzanne, your comment that this is a lifestyle change not a diet has such resonance. That has been my goal from the outset - to improve my health, lose weight but not diet. I was very successful as a failed dieter so I wanted to change the record!

The sleeve has given me a partner to do this with, whether as a tool or something to lean on. And it works for me without compromising my ability to get on and live life "normally". No dieting and a feeling of control that I have never had before.

So thank you, - to hear that 5 years on you are living such a great life inspires and encourages me. When Emile Zola (I think) was asked what she was on this earth to do, she simply said "to live out loud". I hope you continue to live out loud for many years to come. X

Edited October 23, 201312 yr by Indigo1991

So encouraging!

As all have said before, your post confirms the decision I have made. Thank you for letting us know how bright the future will/can be;)

celebrating year 5 of having a very successful weight loss surgery! I was 63 when I had sleeve surgery done, so it is never too late to have weight loss surgery!!!!

Suzannesh

hi there

always nice to see you "pop" in

repeating what OP have said, it is great to see VETS that continue to be successful through the years!!!

i first "met" you on the board as a little, baby newbie

now i'm all "grown up" VET

2 years PO - one year at goal - it is nice to have someone llike you around

you as encouraging now as you were two years ago

i think everyone here appreciates hearing success stories - you are amazing!!!!!

thanx for "hanging" around, visiting with your words of wisdom

hugggs from Syracuse, NY

kathy

Edited November 7, 201312 yr by proudgrammy

Good that u posted.. This is encouraging for us who r about to embark on this journey!,