Before & After VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) with Keith, losing 120lbs!
July 18, 2017Why I decided to have WLS
As far back as I can remember, I had always been on the stocky side. I remember attending meetings with my mom (whom to me was always thin) when I was in 6th and 7th grade. Like other diets I had been on prior to this, I never had much of a problem losing weight but struggled to maintain the weight I'd lost. This cycle stayed with me into adulthood, without much of a change. I was always active and played sports, which helped out with the weight loss. Every season eventually ends though and back would come the unneeded luggage of my excess weight.
I became a Deputy Sheriff in 1993. Though still stocky, I tried to stay in decent shape. With the assortment of calls handled on a daily basis, it kept me busy. The one problem you can run into with any type of law enforcement is the down time between calls, as well as the convenience of fast food while working the road. When I would notice the weight creeping up, I would go back to the yo-yo process of dieting/then regaining.
The problem for me escalated in 1997 when at the age of 37, I had a major heart attack. I ended up with seven stents in the LCA, was out of work for six months and the downward spiral truly started. I have continued having problems with the LCA, another three stents were needed. In 1998, I had to have an LCD (Pacemaker/Defibrillator) implanted and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I was advised at that time that I eventually would be in need of a transplant. I retired from the Sheriff’s Office under disability retirement.
After retiring, along with the heart-related issues, my activity level dropped dramatically. The pounds began piling on. Along with the weight, came diabetes and sleep apnea, a second heart attack, and additional stents (total 15 at present). My cardiologist transferred me over to a heart failure specialist, who was needed for transplant purposes. My doctor knew of my problems with my weight (304 was the highest) and suggested that I possibly look into weight loss surgery. He said that I would be a good candidate for the Lap Band. He also said that if I could drop down to 225lbs, I would be moved up on the transplant list when the time arises.
Before & After VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) with Keith
OH Username: Roach
Total Weight Loss: 120 lbs.
Surgical Procedure: VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Surgery Date: 05/25/16
Surgeon’s Name: Dr. Bradley Needleman
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
My first contact with the Ohio State Bariatric Program was in December of 2015. Dr. Bradley Needleman suggested the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) over the Lap-Band. He said that his patients’ success rate with the VSG was much higher, along with successful maintenance.
I attended the nutrition classes, psychological evaluation, various testing, and had all my requirements completed by 04/16. The thing that held me up was my A1C which came back at 10.2. In addition to the pills that I was taking for diabetes, I started insulin.
A month later my A1C had dropped down to 7, at which time I was cleared for surgery. I had the VSG and hiatal hernia repair completed on 05/25/16. Due to the heart problems, I stayed in the cardiac wing at OSU for 3 days post-op for observation. I took my last dose of insulin the day prior to surgery. My last dose of Metformin and Glyburide was about three days after returning home. I am no longer considered diabetic. I still test my blood sugar regularly and average between 70-90. My A1C has dropped to 5.1. As the pounds have come off, my heart medications have been adjusted several times.
I started out my journey at 304lbs in 12/15. My weight on the date of my surgery was 289lbs. My current weight is 183lbs. I have surpassed the weight required to help on the transplant waiting list, which was my original goal. My second goal of 185lbs has been passed and I am currently working on 175.
Though the heart problems still affect my energy level, I really do feel quite a bit better. I have followed my nutritional plan as directed by OSU (high protein/low carb) and exercise as much as possible. I have also learned to enjoy walking as much as possible and actually using the stairs versus the elevator. In addition to the obvious health benefits, my self-esteem has definitely had a boost. My only regret is not having pursued the VSG years ago.
Milestones and NSV's
- Going from a pants size 44-46, down to a 32
- Going from a shirt size XXL to a Medium
- Feeling like a little kid when sitting in the huge seats at the bariatric center
- Enjoying walking/exercising
- No longer fearing being set at a booth at a restaurant
- No longer having to be a contortionist when using a public restroom (why do the doors open inward?)
- Actually being called skinny, something I never remembered having heard before
- A better outlook on life and the future
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