Before & After VSG with Cindy, losing 120 pounds!
April 16, 2019Why I Decided to Have WLS
I’ve had my struggles with weight for years, yo-yo dieting, diet pills, a five-time Weight Watchers drop out, Jenny Craig, Nutrition System, even tried the HCG injections only to gain a bunch of weight. You name it, I tried it with no success what so ever just more pounds were being packed on.
I basically was standing on the outside looking in watching my life pass me by, never joined in on much of anything because I was to fat to do anything.
I couldn’t enjoy the amusement park rides on vacation for fear of that safety bar not latching me in. I was afraid when we took that upside down turn that I would fall out. I couldn't hike any mountain trails either because I was too out of shape. I couldn’t breathe very well since it would set off my asthma. I didn’t really enjoy much of anything because I always felt like people were judging me. My deciding moment to seek WLS was on my plane ride to Texas to meet my first born granddaughter. Much to my embarrassment, I couldn’t fasten the seatbelt so I had to ask for the seatbelt extender. I was mortified and so embarrassed.
Before & After VSG with Cindy
OH User Name: ClassyCoke41
Total Weight Lost: 120 pounds
Surgery: Vertical Gastric Sleeve
Surgery Date: 6/10/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Mathew Rawlins
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
I had surgery in June 2014, and fast forward to today and I’ve officially lost 120 pounds. I’ve never regretted my decision to have WLS because I basically saved my life. Before surgery, I was on a ton of medications and a c-pap machine (which I hated that thing with a passion.) Now, I no longer use a c-pap, lost all the medications I used to take, the only meds today are for maintenance meds and my bariatric vitamins which I take faithfully every day.
Special Milestones and Non-Scale Victories
I’m loving life, I can cross my legs, I don’t need that seat belt extension thingy anymore, I can ride a roller coaster without the fear of not being locked in or falling out, I've developed a love of exercising, and you can find me shopping in the normal sized clothing section (I still see that bigger me and try to shop in the wrong section from time to time.)
My biggest NSV came from a conversation I was having with a plastic surgeon friend of mine. I was telling him my bariatric group has been telling patients about him. He told me that some of the weight loss patients he wouldn’t be able to see in his facility on an outpatient basis. He then told me that someone as SMALL AS YOU I would be able to help. I about fell out of my chair! Nobody EVER called me small. It was such a surprise that I made him repeat himself to make sure I heard him right. I still have a very hard time seeing the smaller me when I pass by a mirror that I often catch myself doing a double take.
Has ObesityHelp Been a Part of Your Journey?
I found ObesityHelp early on into my surgery. I absolutely love this community since everyone has been in my shoes. Everyone is so welcoming, helpful and no question that I ask is a dumb question.
Along the way, I’ve made several OH friends too. I’ve been fortunate to attend the 2016 and 2018 ObesityHelp National Conferences in Anaheim, CA. I took a huge step out of my comfort zone and walked the Red Carpet to Celebrate ME and my weight loss accomplishment. I’m not one to be at a loss for words and never shy away from anything but building up to that walk I was so nervous. When it was all over, all I could think was WOW that was the most freeing experience ever.
Life Is Wonderful Go Live It!
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.
