Before & After Gastric Sleeve with Becky H. as a “new woman”
April 25, 2017Celebrating the Before & After Gastric Sleeve with Becky H.'s Journey!
In August of 2015, one month before I was to be the maid of honor in my sister’s wedding, I fell. My fall resulted in a herniated disc in my lower back that caused severe pain in my back and legs. With intense physical therapy, I was able to walk slowly, but beautifully, in the wedding. But I quickly found that physical therapy was not enough to alleviate the pain. I needed a microdiscectomy of my L5-S1.
About a month later, I began having sharp pains on the left side of my abdomen. I thought it was gallbladder related and went to my primary care provider who ordered an ultrasound. I learned I had changes consistent with hepatic steatosis, early liver disease due to my obesity. Fortunately, I had normal liver enzymes and the disease was caught early. Weight loss was the recommended treatment.
Losing Weight On My Own
Over the years, I had tried diet restrictions and exercise programs, but the desire to consume more food was unrelenting. While struggling with my back, my weight had continued to climb. I went as far as diet counseling, diet medications, medications to control my blood sugar, and meeting with the UC Health Weight Loss Center in West Chester, OH. Despite my efforts, I had two fundamental problems: my stomach was simply too big, and I couldn’t control the hormones making me want to eat. I felt defeated and exhausted.
As a nurse, I knew the Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) was the best option for me. After much deliberation and contemplation, I balanced my future in my hands. On one hand, I had the financial burden and risk of two surgeries (bariatric and spine). On the other hand, I risked paralysis, permanent nerve damage, diabetes, heart disease, worsening liver disease, kidney disease, and a decreased quality of life. As a single woman, I needed to choose my path.
A Revelation
Over the next several months, I was physically limited and emotionally worn out. For years, I had limited my support system due to shame and fear. But a conversation with a new friend helped me to accept something critical: I was worth it and God had a plan. That day, I decided to change my future forever. I chose to see hope for a better tomorrow. I called my providers and they arranged for me to be evaluated for the Gastric Sleeve surgery.
Within four weeks, everything changed. My surgeon, Brad Watkins, MD, Medical Director of the UC Health Weight Loss Center, communicated with Brad Curt, MD, a UC Health spine surgeon, and arranged for my back surgery to be completed eight weeks after my Gastric Sleeve. My internal medicine provider, also UC Health physician, helped coordinate my care and maintain my health while I prepared for two major surgeries. It was the true definition of a team effort.
Before & After Gastric Sleeve with Becky H.
Name: Becky H.
Total Weight Loss: 90+ pounds
Date of Surgery: 1/26/2016
Surgery Type: Gastric Sleeve (VSG)
Surgeon's Name: Brad Watkins, MD
The day of my Gastric Sleeve, I was terrified yet hopeful. My back hurt badly, but the PACU and anesthesia team made sure my bed was positioned to make me comfortable. I was nervous that they would forget my latex allergies, or that there would be complications from the anesthesia.
Dr. Watkins and the anesthesia team came in to see me. They explained the process, and reminded me of their safety parameters and assured me that the entire OR was latex-free. They went over each medication I would receive and what they would do to make me safe and comfortable. I felt at peace. Feeling at peace, I was taken to the OR. When I woke up, the tubes were out and my pain was well controlled. My incisions were beautiful although sore. I felt safe.
While in the hospital, the nursing staff cared for me like I was family. My nurses were genuine caregivers who made me feel like I mattered. I knew they were busy, but when they were present, they were attentive and focused on getting me better so I could return to caring for other patients. My health was their number one priority.
As a nurse, being cared for and requiring assistance to move is a very humbling experience. I know how my patients feel now. One of my nurses made a lasting impression by taking me for walks between two and three times per shift. She made sure that I wouldn’t re-injure my back. She encouraged me to walk independently as soon as it was safe to do so. One night, she came up to me while I was walking and showed me my reflection in the hall window. I felt connected with reality again. She said that she was so proud of me for taking the time and effort to invest in myself. She said, “Because you are doing this, you will be able to help and bless many patients as a result.” That hit home.
One night, she came up to me while I was walking and showed me my reflection in the hall window. I felt connected with reality again. She said that she was so proud of me for taking the time and effort to invest in myself. She said, “Because you are doing this, you will be able to help and bless many patients as a result.” That hit home.
Finally, Pain-Free
The day of my back surgery, I was 40 pounds lighter, but still suffered from constant sciatic nerve pain. The PACU nurse and anesthesia team assured me (again) that they were prepared to handle all of my special needs.
About an hour after receiving a medication, I started feeling like an elephant was sitting on my face. I was glazing over and couldn’t think straight. My vitals were all good, but my airway was swelling. My nurse called the OR team from my room and she never left my side. They came running with IV Benadryl and other medications and quickly relieved my reaction. The anesthesiologist talked to me and asked how I was feeling. My OR time was 15 minutes away. He looked up and said, “Becky, it's time.” I knew I was safe and within seconds, I was asleep.
I woke up to the same team telling me everything was ok, my airway was fine, and the surgery went as planned. My sciatic nerve pain was gone. I felt so amazing I cried. I had forgotten what a pain-free life felt like. I stayed in the hospital overnight, and, lucky for me, I had my favorite nurse again.
Over the next day, she helped me ambulate and walk the halls again. We talked about my weight loss progress and she was so encouraging. She was proud of my progress and determination to succeed. I was so happy to have her as my nurse again. She knew what I had been through.
The New Becky
Despite the setbacks during recovery, I continued to lose weight and continued my aggressive physical therapy. A little over one year after my fall, I graduated from physical therapy and I can now workout two to three times a week without pain. I lead an active lifestyle again and choose my food more wisely. I have lost more than 90 pounds and went from a size 24/26 to a 12/14. I still have about 40 pounds to lose.
As a result of the collaborative efforts at UC Health, my Gastric Sleeve and back surgery have significantly improved my quality of life and my outcome. My high blood pressure, high cholesterol and severe obstructive sleep apnea were treated and are gone. I no longer need BiPAP at night. My anxiety is controlled. My PCOS is essentially gone. I no longer have pain in my abdomen.
I am a new woman.
My case was not straightforward, but, despite the complexity, I am now very healthy. I chose UC Health because I wanted experts in health care and the best providers available in the area. I got so much more than that. My health is radically improved; my disease progression stopped, and my future is hopeful and bright.
As I remember the events that have taken place over the past year, I thank God for my team every day. It is because of them that I am alive and caring for my own patients each and every day.
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