Before & After VSG with Michael B., losing 188lbs!
October 24, 2017Why I Decided To Have WLS
I have battled being a big person all my life. I played football in high school and went on to play football in college. I had the opportunity to coach football at the high school and middle school levels.
In fall of 2010, I lost my mom. She was my rock and I felt numb inside and depressed. I shut everyone out and did not realize it. I used food as my comfort, the food didn’t judge me but I packed on weight. My family was concerned about me and wanted me to get help. I refused to get help and kept eating what I wanted and not exercising. My knees and back and other health issues started to bother me. I was having trouble putting on socks and tie my shoes. Sometimes it felt like I couldn’t breathe when doing these simple tasks. I was not diabetic, I didn't have high blood pressure, and I had sleep apnea and used a CPAP. If I did not do something my health continued declining and death was coming.
Before & After VSG with Michael B.
Total Weight Lost: 188 pounds
Surgery Type: VSG (Gastric Sleeve)
Surgery Date: 3/15/16
Surgeon: Dr. Robert Aragon
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
After a long talk with my wife, I found out that insurance would cover bariatric surgery. I started my journey in August 2015. In July, we attended the free seminar at the bariatric center. I would not have coverage until January 2016 but I wanted to get a head start. My case manager helped me get started on a supervised diet with my primary care physician each month to document my weight journey. My primary care physician was on board and supported me having bariatric surgery. At my first appointment for my supervised diet, I weighed 450 pounds. In January 2016, at my consultation at the bariatric center, I weighed 432 pounds. I had my surgery on March 15, 2016, and weighed 405.
Special Milestone / Non-Scale Victory
I have lost 188 pounds since my VSG surgery. In June 2017, my wife and I took our first cruise to celebrate my journey. I was nervous about being around all the food. I came home and found out I lost three pounds on the cruise.
I work out four times and make healthier choices on what I eat. Having weight loss surgery is a tool for you to use, you still have to work hard and put in time at the gym. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. For me, "It’s a lifestyle change, and it is a change for a healthier life."
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