UP-Date almost 10 months out --

I usually post on the VSG site, but like to post here from time to time, as it was such a boon to me pre-op and early out ! 

I started my quest for weight loss surgery when my arthritic knees needed replacement, but the surgeon refused to consider knee replacement until I lost 70 pounds.  I weighed 300 lbs, was 53 years old, and am 5 foot 2 and a half inches.  My BMI was 53.

I finally decided to DO something about it, and went to my Primary Doctor at my HMO (Kaiser) and got a referral.  From the date of referral, to weight loss surgery was 10 months.  I started their classes August 24th of 2010, and began a pre-op diet of 1500 calories (actually I started on my own two weeks prior !)  And stayed on it until surgery.  I lost 34 pounds in just under 6 months pre-op. 

I had my VSG on January 24, 2011.  I weighed 266.  My BMI at surgery was 49.  (My goal was to get my BMI under 50 for surgery !)

I am a "slow loser" but am thrilled to report that I have lost 85 more pounds since surgery.  I have lost a total of 119 pounds !!!! 

I now weigh 181; my BMI is 32.4 right now, and I am thrilled with my results. 

My surgeon and I agree that I will probably not get down to  "normal" BMI, but we will both be happy with a BMI of 30; with my initial goal weight being 170 pounds.

I consider myself to be a total and complete success !!!!  

This journey has been a delight for me.  Difficult at times, and oh so tough......but the results are incredible.  I have made huge changes in my lifestyle, including putting exercise at Curves 4 times a week on the schedule by getting up early and getting there before work !  

If I can do this at 55  years young.....so can you !!!!
 

 Well Done!!
It is reassuring to me (at 45)  to see success stories of people over 40 years old! :)

I think you are really not realizing that you are BARELY in the obese category, so I personally think you have succeeded!!!  I hope you get your knees done, and soon!!  To be able to spend your future in a pain free and be active, you will enjoy life many times more than prior to your start of this journey.

Over 20 BMI points - WOW!!!!  Congratulations on all your work, and I am sure Kaiser will agree that YOU are the patient they are wanting to work with -- and all your hard work will be rewarded with yet another surgery - new knees!  

Thank you for sharing your journey - and congratulations on all your progress!
Brenda : )~

Congratulations!!!! Keep up the good work.

You are only 9months out, still deep in the sweet spot of weight loss (usually 18-24months) who knows how much you can lose from now until then.

I bet you will get well below the BMI of 30, if you're already at a 32!! You are now where near done losing weight- don't limit yourself.

Keep it up- you've done wonderful thus far....so keep working that sleeve!!!

:Danni