Chachi lost 87 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Chachi lost 87 pounds. She faced various medical and mental health issues over the years, including depression, Anemia, and high blood pressure. After trying a wide variety of dieting methods, she decided to have Gastric Sleeve surgery in 2020. Now, she is an active mom, and she has a new lease on life.

I started having weight loss issues about nine years ago following the birth of my daughter. I went through many changes hormonally, which sent me into a whirlwind of depression, mental health issues, self-care problems, and body confidence struggles. After seeing multiple doctors and being tested back and forth for different medical conditions, I was diagnosed completely healthy with no medical issues, except Anemia. 

Over the course of six years, multiple doctors ruled out Diabetes, PCOS, Hypothyroidism, Leukemia, Von Willebrand Disease, Sickle Cell Disease, Sleep Apnea, and more. 

In 2019, I started working for the hospital. During my initial hire appointment, the doctor noticed my blood pressure was high. You could call it nerves or whatever, but I felt fine. He monitored my pressure for the duration of my medical clearance. I was cleared but put on active watch status for Pre-Hypertension. I’d never had high blood pressure issues before. 

Six months after my hire date, my blood pressure was still high. I was put on blood pressure meds to control my condition. During a check-up, my doctor noticed that my feet were swollen and my shoes were off balance. She wanted me to see a podiatrist because my weight wasn’t balanced, and it was causing stress to my feet. She told me that this issue could eventually start to cause back and body pain. 

I was also sent to a plastic surgery specialist for a breast reduction. The additional weight of my boobs was contributing to my all-over body fatigue, body pain, night sweats, snoring, etc. (that started developing almost instantaneously after I was hired). 

I researched Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery (VSG) for about four years before I decided to have surgery. I had previously tried SlimFast, Weight Watchers, portion control, the 50 Million Pound Challenge, P90X, Insanity, Aerial Yoga, Walking, Laser Lipo, HCG diet, Zumba, It Works wraps, daily treadmill workouts, and a few other things. 

While I was at work, I talked with a friend who recently had vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery. She explained how it was the best thing she could’ve ever done for herself. I was encouraged! After numerous late-night emotional talks with my husband, I decided I would take the journey. It was not an easy one at all. 

For my pre-op program, I had to adjust my diet and shrink my liver before surgery. So, I started training myself to let go of everything processed and all sugary foods. I adopted a high protein, low carb diet, and I kept all my meals small. On January 29, 2020, I was admitted to the hospital for surgery. 

I was out of work for eight weeks of recovery. The pre-hypertension was eliminated immediately after surgery. This phase of my life has been one of the most empowering. I started my journey with my weight peaking at 270 pounds at 5’4″. Upon my release from the hospital, I was about 255 pounds. It has now been ten months, and I am 87 pounds lighter. Today I stand at 183 pounds.  

Having VSG is a daily challenge. I have had to teach myself new habits almost daily in reference to my food intake, my daily vitamins, working out, staying hydrated, and, most importantly, enjoying life and this journey. My workout routine consists of walking daily. I focus on getting in a minimum of 30 minutes of some form of exercise every day.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to love myself and take care of myself. I stay as positive as I can and smile every day.

My advice for women who would like to lose weight is don’t be afraid to start. Whatever is stopping, you let it go. Take the leap! You’ll be glad that you did.  

VSG gave me a new start in life. I am more active with my kids, my confidence levels are through the roof, and life is AMAZING! I don’t tell my story too often, but I love to spread knowledge and positivity to those who may be experiencing the same thing or something similar to my journey. I am really looking forward to celebrating my surgiversary in 2021. 

Instagram: @iseeyouchachi