5 year aniversary of WL surgery

A few weeks ago, I had my 5 year follow up appointment after my VSG.

I had my VSG in May of 2013. I was 64 years old, and weight 385 pounds when I started the weighed loss process. 15 months later, I had lost 225 pounds, weighing 160 pounds, My BMI went from 60 to 25. Weight loss surgery really works. It doesn't make it easy, but it does make it possible.

I was afraid of the surgery, and I delayed until I was so heavy that I could see my life was going to be a downward spiral of less and less mobility, more and more isolation and depression, and an early death. I decided to have the surgery in January, and three and a half months later there I was, in the operating room.

The surgery itself was uneventful. I worried about nausea, so I asked for lots of ani-nausea meds, and they helped immensely. Surprisingly, I didn't have a lot of pain. The process of getting used to my new stomach was not fun, but it was always managable. Thinking back, I realize that anyone who says weight loss surgery is the easy way to lose weight certainly hasn't done it!

But the important thing is that it was always managable. You can do this. My other message is that weight loss surgery makes the weight loss possible, but it isn't a sure thing, or easy. I find I have to keep working at it every day. WLS isn't a cure for obesity. It is a treatment. The obesity is still there, and will require my awareness and effort to manage it for the rest of my life.

I am so glad I had the weight loss surgery, and if you have been struggling with obesity for a long time, then consider it, it really helps.

So at 5 years post op, I've gained a little weight back. I'm currently 180 pounds. My WL NP has suggested I start coming in for monthly follow ups until I get the weight gain under control, and that check in is helping motivate me to get back on plan. I'm feeling hopeful again that I can manage my obesity and stay healthy and mobile.

In order to maintain my weight, I find I need to cook healthy. I avoid carbs, and I track my calories every day. I avoid processed foods, and limit eating in restaurants. I've developed a ton of tasty healthy meals that are satisfying and low carb, low cal. I've posted many of the recipe forum on this site, if you are interested. I find I need to have foods I like so I can say, no, I won't have that cheesecake, but I can eat that buffalo chicken spaghetti squash casserole, or that crack slaw, etc.

My husband and I retired about 2 years ago, and we've been making up for lost time, and we've been traveling several times a year. We just got back from Morocco, and we'll be heading to Africa for a safari in August. It is so wonderful to be able to walk 5 or 10 miles, to keep up with the group, to be able to climb those many stairs to get to the Parthenon,

I'm so glad I had weight loss surgery and that I can do so much more than before. I want you all to know that it is possible. Not easy, but possible.

Best of luck on your weight loss journey.

Carol

Congratulations on your hard work and success!!!

First off, congratulations on the success of your journey! Secondly, thank you so much for sharing your story, it is good to be reminded that this is a tool and you have to use it but when you do it is wonderful. I almost cried when I read how you could climb those Parthenon stairs, I have trouble with the few on my front steps but I have hope more so after reading your story, my tentative date for VSG is the 18th. Enjoy your retirement years and the adventures you are able to go on!

Hi Carol! Thank you for checking in - I've missed your posts and participation. I'm glad you're doing well and keeping things under control :)

Enjoy all of your wonderful travel. When I travel I'm always so thrilled to have a body that can do all of the walking I want to do!

its so nice to hear from you, Gwen. I'm so glad you are still here, contributing to the supportive environment at this site. I wish you well on your weight loss journey.

Carol

Thanks! So far it's going well, although I am working on losing some vacation weight at the moment :P

Glad to see your post, Carol. Also glad things are going well!

Hey Cap! Good to see you back.

Congratulations on your amazing success Carol, you are an inspiration!

An awesome success story. Thanks for the encouragement and advice!