Before & After VSG with Kellie, losing 160 pounds!
September 4, 2018Why I Decided to Have WLS
The Journey of Reinventing Kellie started in August 2015 when I walked into the Bailey Medical Center in Owasso, OK weighing 351 pounds.
I first learned about VSG years ago when my husband's cousin, a GP Doctor, had the surgery. Several of my friends had the procedure without any complications and lost considerable amounts of weight.
Reality hit me when my husband said to me "You know I love you no matter what size you are but the older we get I'm afraid if you fall I won't be able to help you up." I was getting bigger and older, my body was hurting and knew I had to do something soon.
I have always been overweight but not an overeater. The doctor diagnosed me with hypothyroidism and PCOS. Finally, I had an answer for why I could never lose weight! After consulting with my primary care physician and endocrinologist, it was their opinion, I would not be able to lose weight without WLS.
Before & After VSG with Kellie
Total Weight Loss: 160 pounds
Surgery Type: VSG
Surgery Date: 06/24/2016
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Katsis
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
I had several friends and family members who had gone through this surgery. I watched them and followed their journeys so I decided to start researching. After attending a Bailey Bariatrics seminar, doing countless hours of research on ObesityHelp.com, Facebook support groups, talking to my friends and doctors, I decided this was the best option for me.
My motto for 2016 was "it's all about me!" It was the Year of Kellie! Dr. Steven Katsis performed my VSG on June 24, 2016. My highest weight was 351 pounds, pre-op weight was 305 pounds.
At just 1-year post-operatively, I'd already lost 160 pounds!
I am a rule follower so I have had no issues whatsoever following the plan. My nutritionist says I was the model patient. Losing an average of 3 pounds a week and still retaining muscle was a big accomplishment.
Non-Scale Victories
I knew surgery would change my weight but didn't realize how many life-changing victories there would be.
- Tying my shoes
- Feeling and seeing bones again
- My neck and waist have re-appeared
- My stomach is a foot away from the steering wheel
- I can now fit easily in a booth
- More energy
- Buying clothes from the other side of the aisle
I celebrate them ALL!
"Reinventing Kellie" on Facebook is where I Journal and share my journey. I wanted to be real with myself, about my feelings, struggles, and victories. I want to look back and see how far I have really come.
Not everyone will support you, understand or even care to follow your journey and that's OK, you don't do this for anyone but yourself!
I am extremely blessed to have a tremendous support system in my family and friends. You must be 100% mentally prepared.
WLS is actually the easy part, it is sticking with the plan for the long run. There are tremendous highs and lows, and it's the hardest thing you will ever do for yourself but it has the best rewards!
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.
