Five years ago today, July 13, 2010, I had my vertical sleeve gastrectomy at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan.

At the time of my surgery, I was just hitting 300 lbs on this scale and this morning I weighed in at 198 lbs. That is up about 25 pounds or so from my all time low of about 173 lbs, but that was probably a little too thin for me. I would like to get back to my original goal weight of 180 lbs and I am working on it.

Am I glad I had this surgery? Absolutely, without question. Have there been challenges? Absolutely. Even after five years, I still miss being able to sit down and enjoy a nice, juicy cheeseburger and fries or a club sandwich, but, as I always say, not being able to control myself with foods like that is what got me into trouble in the first place. However, despite all of those challenges, I know that I would never have been able to lose over 100 lbs without the help of this tool.

My health has improved. I no longer take blood pressure medication and my lower back and knee pain has all but disappeared. I have developed anemia which my doctor feels may be a side effect of my surgery, but that is being treated with Iron supplements and I see it as a relatively small price to pay.

My personal life has improved too. After being widowed with three young children in 2007, I met a wonderful woman a few months after my surgery in 2010 and we were married in 2013.

Truth be told, my eating habits are not the best, and that is something I am taking a cold, hard look at these days. I will be 50 years old next June and I intend to be back to my goal weight of 180 by then. It is time to stop kidding myself about my sugar addiction and other bad behaviors and get my act together.

If anyone reading this post is on the fence about having the surgery, my advise is to do it. I don't have any regrets at all.

Brian

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story! I am sure you will get back on track

Kate

@@Brian66 - Thanks for updating us on your progress. You revised from band to sleeve in 7/2010? How long did it take to lose the 100plus pounds? Your stats have lap-band - just curious.

Sorry Jane13. My profile had a few errors - never paid too much attention to it. I was not a lap band revision. My first and only surgery was the sleeve. I think it took me about six months to lose 120 lbs.

Glad to hear you are doing fine with no regrets. I think everyone need to hear a a veteran's opinion.

My surgery is on July 16th and I am really excited.

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your realistic story from someone who is almost a year out. I haven't reach my goal but I'm still trying and you are inspiring!

There aren't a lot of vets on here that are years out, so it's really nice to hear updates (both the good and bad). Glad your experience has been great. Good luck in reaching your goal. You did it once, you'll do it again.

I'm 9 months out today and I've had no issues. I'm beyond ecstatic with the loss, albeit slower then I thought, but I'm not complaining.

Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. It's always a gift to hear from long term surgery recipients.

Congrats on both your new marriage and your wonderful new life!

I love hearing the long term achievements like this. Congratulations on all your wins along the way and good luck with your goals yet to come. . Thanks again for sharing your story. Big inspiration to us newbies.

Congratulations thanks for sharing, wishing u much success

I also was sleeved at Lenox Hill. 07/02/2012. 3 years later I am 137 lbs . My lowest weight was 125lbs... I have plateaued between 137-144 which I am happy with because my goal was to be at 150. Never dreamed I would be 125lbs ever again in my life. Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing. Gives me hope that I can keep it up.

Thanks, @@Brian66 and @@latinmami0511 for chiming in here and reporting from 5 and 3 years out.

Your long-term results are very inspiring for me. I'm only a year out. Feeling great, doing great. I plan to be feeling and doing even better 4 years from now.

Thank you both!

I know what you mean. I am 2 plus years out. I was 48 and taking 9 pills a day. After losing 135 lbs I am down to 1 plus vitamins. But I was out of work and have gain back 9 lbs . I am getting real this week to get back to 175????

thanks for the update. glad all is well. congrats on LIFE!!!

Thank you for an update from a 5 yr vet!

Congrats you guys! @@Brian66, II have been reflecting on my sugar habits too. Its time to get back on track. I haven't even met my goal weight yet. It is a challenge.