65 at surgery, lost all excess weight in 16 months
After researching all forms of weight loss surgery for over 5 years, I finally had it done just after my 65th birthday. I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy done at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. My surgeon was one of the staff with Vanderbilt's "Center for Weight Loss Surgery". The Department of Veterans Affairs contracted with them for my surgery.
You can see my pre-op weight, etc. in my signature line. Sufice to say that I reached goal in 16 months, and that was without totally adhereing to my prescribed diet. In other words, I cheated a bit from time to time.
I have to say that getting that excess weight off was pretty darn easy. The hardest part for me was doing regular moderate exercise. I am a "couch potato", I loath exercise, and I was in rotten physical shape. I could barely walk the 300 feet to our mailbox, and had to rest a few minutes before walking back to the house.
I worked myself up to the point that I could march 3 miles at a time, 3 days a week. That was the only exercise that I did, but i was faithful in my walking. If it was too hot, or too cold, I would use my treadmill.
Since hitting goal, the hardest part for me has been to maintain my weight. I am 5 pounds below goal, and am holding steady there. I am awaiting having surgery to remove my "panni", the apron of excess skin that hangs down in front of my stomach. My surgeon estimates that this will weigh between 12-15 pounds.
I can still only comfortably eat about the same amount that I could at 4 months post-op. If I eat more than I should, or too fast, I get nauseated for hours. Believe me, that is NOT worth it, so I still monitor my intake.
I eat literally anything I want to eat. Last night, I made "Hot and Sour Soup" for dinner. I eat ravoli, spaghetti, meat loaf, seafood of all types, meats of all types, cake, pie, ice cream, you name it and if it was ever alive, I will eat it. I just can't eat very much of anything.
You can see my pre-op weight, etc. in my signature line. Sufice to say that I reached goal in 16 months, and that was without totally adhereing to my prescribed diet. In other words, I cheated a bit from time to time.
I have to say that getting that excess weight off was pretty darn easy. The hardest part for me was doing regular moderate exercise. I am a "couch potato", I loath exercise, and I was in rotten physical shape. I could barely walk the 300 feet to our mailbox, and had to rest a few minutes before walking back to the house.
I worked myself up to the point that I could march 3 miles at a time, 3 days a week. That was the only exercise that I did, but i was faithful in my walking. If it was too hot, or too cold, I would use my treadmill.
Since hitting goal, the hardest part for me has been to maintain my weight. I am 5 pounds below goal, and am holding steady there. I am awaiting having surgery to remove my "panni", the apron of excess skin that hangs down in front of my stomach. My surgeon estimates that this will weigh between 12-15 pounds.
I can still only comfortably eat about the same amount that I could at 4 months post-op. If I eat more than I should, or too fast, I get nauseated for hours. Believe me, that is NOT worth it, so I still monitor my intake.
I eat literally anything I want to eat. Last night, I made "Hot and Sour Soup" for dinner. I eat ravoli, spaghetti, meat loaf, seafood of all types, meats of all types, cake, pie, ice cream, you name it and if it was ever alive, I will eat it. I just can't eat very much of anything.
A former Army Medic (1959-1969), Registered Nurse (1969-2000), College Instructor (1984-1989) and a retired Rehabilitation Counselor. I am also a dual citizen of the USA and Canada.
High Weight 412 lbs. Date of Surgery 360.5 Present 170 lbs
High Weight 412 lbs. Date of Surgery 360.5 Present 170 lbs
I was wondering if you are male or female? No signature on your signature line!
At any rate, many congratulations on your victory and wishing you continued success.
At any rate, many congratulations on your victory and wishing you continued success.
Mary
"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you CAN do." John Wooden
I'm down 120 pounds - thanks to RNY! Working on the next 25. Then I'll tackle more...
"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you CAN do." John Wooden
I'm down 120 pounds - thanks to RNY! Working on the next 25. Then I'll tackle more...
Hey Medic, you truly are an inspiration, I just turned 60 in April and had my sleeve done on 5/28. I was a little worried pre op and saw some of your posts and it made my feel like this was something i could be successful at. You have been an inspiration to me and i love reading your posts. My hope is to be as good at this as you are. That being said i do worry that my sleeve is bigger than a lot of people on here, especially after reading that you don't eat much and never have since getting your sleeve.. But as you once told me, whatever size the sleeve is if we do the right things it will work. So i just wanted to say Thank You for being there for me, and good job on you. Take care Jeani
the start of my brand new life was on 5/28/10
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