8 years post op next month

[Lenibug 28]

Hi I came here looking for some input on Vitamin supplements (which I found .. thank you!), but have found myself intrigued by everyones thoughts, success stories, questions, etc... so I decided to join. I hope any input I can give will be helpful to someone out there!

I had my VSG in May 2010 - at 21 years old. I am 5'1", was 260 at my highest and ~245 on the day of surgery. Surgery went well, I had a 2 day hospital stay, recovered nicely, etc. After a couple weeks of healing (I dont remember intial/first couple weeks weight loss), I started exercising .. gradually increasing until I was working out 5-6 days a week, 2-3 hours a day. I lost about 90 lbs in the first ~8 months, hit a plateau for a month or so.. then started losing more slowly. By about 14 months out, I had lost about 135-140 lbs.

I maintained for 2 years until I got pregnant with my daughter. I was SO scared about being pregnant with the sleeve - but my doctors assured me it would be fine. I gained 18 lbs during my pregnancy - she weight just over 6 lbs. After having her, I lost all the weight plus ~5-10 lbs within 3-4 months. Now, 4 years later - I've maintained at 115 (+/- 3-4 lbs depending on time of month, what I ate that day, etc).

The only long term effects so far have been new onset GERD - which just started early last year (6.5 years out) and low Iron (no iron supplements work for me - not pills, liquid, sublingual, etc ... iron infusions have been my friend). The only thing I am unsure about and something I can't find a lot of research on is the long term (15+ years) effects that VSG has on our bones. I get achy - like deep in my bones, and I'm unsure if it's related ...but being that I'm only 29, I wonder if its due to lack of Calcium absorption (as my blood levels are great ..but your body will suck it from your bones if youre not getting enough).

Life is pretty normal. Having WLS is such a huge life event/life change - but it DOES eventually become so "normal" to YOU that you may rarely even think about it anymore. Small portions, very little sugar, iron infusions - they're all just part of my life now. You'll get to a point - you will no longer fret about eating out, about what if I have this small sip of diet soda, what if I eat two bites of cake, etc. You will learn your limits, test your sleeve, and be able to live a happy life if you have the right attitude. Just listen to your body (dont ignore the symptoms of pushing it too far - dumping, puking, feeling draggy and miserable - the pressure after eating too much, etc). Good luck to everyone!

Below pics -

1st pic- between 115-120lbs

2nd pic- at my heaviest - 260 lbs

3rd pic - a few months after surgery - right about 170 lbs

Edited April 18, 2018 by Lenibug

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

Wow!!! What a great success story!

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

Thanks for sharing and welcome! You are an inspiration! Especially since you can give the long-term perspective!

[FluffyChix 17,409]

Welcome! So glad you're hear and hope you post a LOT!! Very inspirational story. Congrats on the healthy fam, the weight loss, AND the maintenance with a new healthy lifestyle. You are beautiful and fit looking!

One thing I would mention--please go get your Vitamin levels drawn and see if they will check you for osteoporosis. Bone aching or feeling like your bones or cold or that you might have the flu is a serious sign that something isn't right. And you are so young, it's better to catch it now.

Things like Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and a Dexa bone density scan should be done for sure! Especially the Dexa if you don't get one each year.

[shedo82773 1,236]

CONGRATULATION!!! Your such an inspiration with your success!! I am 5 years out from my R&Y. You give us all hope that there are some long term WLS Patients. Thank you for sharing. KEEP ON KEEPING on!!

[shedo82773 1,236]

CONGRATULATION!!! Your such an inspiration with your success!! I am 5 years out from my R&Y. You give us all hope that there are some long term WLS Patients. Thank you for sharing. KEEP ON KEEPING on!!

[hopeful333 49]

Thank You for sharing. You are an inspiration

[AKat724 7]

I was just sleeved on Monday. Thanks for sharing your story. Helps to see that it’s all worth it!