Before & After VSG with Alan, losing 165 pounds!
January 24, 2017My Weight Struggles
My story of weight loss is a long one. It started in 1987 when I had ACL surgery and developed a staph infection in my knee and as a result had six knee surgeries and was off work for six months and gained over 100 pounds.
I tried multiple diets and even did one of the big name weight loss programs with the prepared meals. It worked great, and I lost the weight until I had to go back to eating regular food. Each time, I would lose some or a lot of weight and then would gain it all back plus more. It became a vicious, disappointing cycle that repeated itself for many years.
Then the lap-band came out and I went and had that procedure done with a facility in the Metroplex. I had many problems with this and eventually ended up having the fluid removed. For the next several years, I was very discouraged and had no hope of ever being able to get the weight off and keep it off and be healthy again.
My health issues continued to grow, and I developed high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, sleep apnea, among other issues. We had our first grandchild, and I really didn’t feel like playing with her. I didn’t even enjoy my favorite pastime, fishing, anymore. I did not want to travel anywhere due to my size and not being able to walk any distances.
I began to research the gastric sleeve (VSG) and studied it for several months. I then determined that I was going to use the Nicholson Clinic because of the great reviews that they received from their patients and the successes their patients had accomplished.
Before & After VSG
Name: Alan
Total Weight Loss: 165 pounds
Surgical Procedure: Lap-Band Revised to VSG
Surgery Date: 10/15/2015
Surgeon's Name: Dr. Thomas Roshek
As the process started, I followed their guidelines exactly and even before my surgery, had lost 30 pounds in their pre-op diet. On October 15, 2015, I had my surgery. I believe that following their complete plan involving water, protein, vitamin requirements and exercise especially, have kept my weight loss results at a maximum.
Due to the fact that I live 70 miles from the Metroplex and my job restraints, it was impossible for me to attend the group meetings, even though I think they would be very helpful. But with the support of my wife of 28 years and the rest of my family and friends, I have exceeded my and the doctors’ expectations as well as lowered my blood pressure, cholesterol and am no longer pre-diabetic. I also no longer have sleep apnea.
But the best part of it all is that I feel healthy and have the energy to do anything I want to do! My journey has encouraged other family and co-workers to have the sleeve surgery and start their journey to a healthier and happier life. From September 24, 2015, when my pre-op diet started to October 15, 2016, I have lost 165 pounds.
A very special thanks to Dr. Roshek and the entire staff at Nicholson Clinic for always being supportive, kind and helpful through my successful journey through my weight loss.
Special Milestones & Non-Scale Victories
- The first time that I flew to see our son after surgery and did not have to ask for a seat-belt extension.
- When I go out to eat, and I can sit in a booth, because there is now plenty of room between myself and the table.
- The fact that I have inspired people I know to go on their weight loss journey.
- To be able to run and play with my granddaughter.
- To be able to go to Colorado and see our son, and be able to hike in the mountains and walk miles to get to the best fishing spots as well as snow skiing and have energy left over.
Share Your Before & After Success!
Celebrate your own Before & After WLS Success, milestones, non-scale victories, and inspire others! The OH team wants to hear from you to share your weight loss surgery journey. Visit our Before & After Submission page for details.
