5 years Out

Marie B.
on 9/10/15 7:56 am - Pitman, NJ

Hi folks. I haven't posted on here for a long time, but I promised I'd post on my 5 year surgiversary. I had a VSG done Sept. 10 2010 by Dr. Alvarez in Mexico. My first year was amazing. I lost about 70 lbs. I was skinny. My highest weight before surgery was 226 lbs. After surgery I got as low as 122 lbs. I am only 5'2", so the 220lbs. was pretty significant.

Anyway, the weight slid off on that first year, and I was diligent to follow the rules faithfully. It was easy. I could not eat more then about 700 calories a day. After about 2 years, the weight started creeping back. My stomach was fully healed, and that makes such a difference. I had discovered that I could eat certain foods without causing myself any pain. These included peanut butter and nuts, which while healthy, are also calorie dense. I could also eat dry cereals. So the weight crept up, and true to old nature, I kept promising I would get it under control. I crept all the way back to 178 lbs.

This last year, I decided to draw the line. Return to mindful eating, diet and exercise. I am currently at 154 lbs. I am actually pretty happy with this. I am, after all, a 60 year old grannie. I still have to keep my calories below 900 if I want to lose weight. I bought a good quality bike and I ride it about 20 mile every other day. I walk several miles on the days I don't peddle.

What I am saying is weight loss surgery is a tool, a wonderful, helpful tool. But it is not a cure. We have to do the work. We still have to control our old nature. We still need to diet and exercise. The food addiction will always be an issue, at least for me. I battle it every day. It was easy the first year or so, while the stomach was healing and the gherling (not sure the spelling, it's the hunger hormone) was low. I still can't eat dense foods like meats comfortably. I am now vegetarian, it is just easier.

I do now have bad osteoporosis, and heart burn. The osteoporosis is due to the massive weight loss and the fact that I am older plus I had my ovaries removed a year before the VSG. The heartburn is a side effect of the VSG, at least for me.

Would I do this surgery again, if I could turn back time? Absolutely. If I had not had the sleeve I am sure I would be struggling to keep my weight under 200 lbs. As is, I am staying in the low 150's. I am happier, healthier, and more alive. I know I can lose weight more easily then before surgery. But it will ALWAYS be a battle to keep it off.

I wish you all well. Fight the good fight. You are, after all, fighting for your life.