BWLW Online Community Tracey E.’s before and after photos are very popular in our community.
She says,
“My inital lost of 100 pounds was changing my diet and exercising. I had to lose that weight the before they would consider surgery and then it took a little time for my insurance to apporive it and all the other technicalities I had to go through to get approval for the bariatric doctor to do the surgery. I had tried for years and went through the big weight lost only to gain it all back plus. I was frustrated and my mother was asking my general practitioner to please recommend me for something because she and my dad were worried that I would pass before either of them. I had not other issues except diabeties and the excessive weight but that would eventually lead to the other problems of high blood pressure and other complications that diabeities could cause. I had been diabetic for over 20 years. I was finally approved for weight loss surgery in October/November 2008 and had my surgery 4 days before Christmas.
I had gastric bypass surgery. It has almost been 4 years and the doctor told me that after 18 months I would continue to lose but not as rapid. At almost 2 years I decided I would crank up my exercise routine which was nothing more at the time them trying to walk more than normal. Parking my car a little farther in the lot. Walking to the other building to eat in the cafeteria instead of my desk. I moved up to water aerobics 3 times a week and now I have added a little weight lifting for toning and walking about an extra miles everyday. I still have issues with learning to walk correctly and I have pain in my knees if I walk too much but my muscles are getting stronger and that issue has almost been alleviated.
I have lost over 220 pounds total. I know I am not where I need to be and I am at a serious plateau right now, in fact I have gained a little back. I did get rid of all my medications and now I am taking lots of vitamins and I must eat a lot of protein so I still have a challenge because I must eat better and eat the right things. So weight loss surgery does not make it much easier. You can still gain your weight back with one slip or eating the wrong foods. I am finding thatout each time I reach a plateau. I just have an internal tool that help me control my weight. It still can be defeated and you have to have the right mindset to accomplish this.
Once I saw the result, I was determined that I would never go back. I have changed my whole attitude and I am reminded everyday that I have done a good job and I look so much better. I never thought I looked so bad until I saw I could lose the weight and I could look a lot better. I learned a lesson from just thee weight loss. We learn to live with where we are and then we just stop trying and live how we have become. May not make any sense but until you succedd in losing the weight and feel how different you are you will never understand where you been and how you can accomplish your goals. Never give up no matter what. As I have said my struggle was not to lose the weight but to maintain what I have accomplished and that will be a lifelong struggle. I did not gain the weight over night and I knew I would not lose the weight over night but the losing is not the issue. The keeping it off is my real goal!
Let me stop here since I could go on forever but I just want to emphasis that just becuse I had weight loss surgery doesn’t make my struggle any easier that anyone else losing weight. Since I am almost 55 and have been overweight my entire life, I did not want to let my weight issues take over my life anymore. I tried the weight loss from the very beginning but it was not working and as I got older it worked even less. So there is my stroy in a nutshell but it is not the end. Thanks for all your encouragement because also without it and from many others, I probably would not have gotten as far as I have today. Thanks for all you have done for ladies like us. You are such an inspiration. Keep up the good work!.”
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Tracey!
Lashay says
I am having the gastic sleeve sometime in nov and dec alittle scared but ready.
edwardtm says
@Lashay and Denise. It’s good to be scared or nervous for a few reasons. The main on is that any surgery can be dangerous so let no one fool you. I had no serious complications but there is always a risk. What is good about being scared is once you do it you will be sure you will keep on track because you will not want to go through it again. I am not going to say don’t be scared because I have seen some people have serious complications with the surgery. The gastric sleeve may not be as complicated but one thing I willsuggest is that you follow everything all the docotrs and nutrientialist and professional suggest. Also you have to find out what works for you within reason. As I always say, what works for one does not always work for all.
I had the BPD/DS for those who don’t know it is gastric bypass surgery called Bilopancreatic Diversion Duodenal Switch. Read about it, it fasinating. My recovery time was about the same length as a pregnancy because I did not have laproscopy. I did get my gall bladder removed becasue that is what they do now since most of gastric bypass and rapid weight loss patients end up having problems and they have to go back in and remove the gall bladder. If you have the suregery, ask your bariatric doctor if you will or need to have your removed.
I know a lot of people who have had a proceudre and then had another done because the oone they chose did not work for them so that is not uncommon. Again you got to research and see what will work best for you at the advice of your bariatric doctor. I susggest if your bariatric docotr does not give you choices then you should try someone else.
denise says
I am also having the gastric sleeve come january. it is a lot of hard work and discipline. The key is to stay focused. I have been struggling with my weight for 12 years. like you, im tired of my weight controlling my life. I know a few people who have gone through it and look absolutely amazing but you still have to keep up with eating and exercising properly to maintain the weight. I think it will go well for you. you look AMAZING. Im nervous about the surgery as well.
Belinda Frederick says
I’ve had the gastric sleeve back in June, and I feel great, the weight is coming off slowly and not to fast where it would come back, I feel great now that I’ve done it. I’ve been heavy for a long time I did a revision where I had the lad band remove and got the gastric sleeve do e and that was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Micaela says
Question is for Belinda Federick if you don’t mind me asking what made you change from Lap band to the Gastric Sleeve what was your pros n cons on the change of surgery.
Jessica says
I have chose to have the gastric sleeve, I am at the beginning process and as with any surgery I am nervous I am 200 pounds over weight with a BMI of 44. I want to be healthier than I am and I want to be around for my family. Thank you Tracey for sharing your accomplishment!
Angela says
god is good girl and do you’re happy dance…………….
Shaton says
I’m really thankful for finding this site I’m awaiting my date to have the weight loss surgery. You all are a inspiration for me. I wish there were a way to unite to work closer together for that extra support. I’ve struggled with weight loss for so long that I’m tired I’m @ the point where I hate to leave home due to joint pain and certain clothes to wear. Good luck to each and everyone of you. Thank you
Rashonda Briggs says
Hello Tracey first I want to say you look absolutely amazing. I had the lap band surgery which was the best thing I could have ever did for myself. Had my surgery April 2010 have lost over 150 pounds yes ive gain a little back but im getting back on track.The surgery is just a tool n you still have to put in thw work of exercising n eating right.So that being said how do you feel
edwardtm says
I am feeling wonderful and this in itself has motivated me to keep on pushing. I get to plateaus and sometimes get a little depressed but I have to remember that I have lost over 230 pounds and I am almost to my idea weight so I will not continue to loose weight as fast as I have been. I just have to stay on track and be careful of the types of food I eat and especially the choses of drinks. We all get tired of the same things so we want to try something different which I have found to be okay for a little while but I have to still remember that it is a lifestyle change to maintain. I am still losing and I am getting healthier everyday. Got to get back to my exercises but working on changing up my routine since it is time. I am on my way and really glad I made the decision to do it.
Vsg4men2012 says
Looking great Tracey!!! Congratulations to you!! I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on May 1,2012 and to date I have lost 81.8 lbs!! By far, the best decision I have EVER made for myself. I exercise now, more energy, don’t take diabetic medication ~ I feel like a new person!!! Hubby even likes the fact that the libido is through the roof!!!! We both are benefiting :0) This is definitely not an easy way out, I still have to put in the work!! Best wishes to you!!
Micaela says
Just wanted to know the vertical sleeve what was your recovery time and was it hard for you to get into a new routine
Michelle says
I had the Gastric Sleeve on Dec. 30, 2011, and I have lost right at 96 pounds so far. I am so glad I made the decision to have the surgery. And yes you have to maintain good eating habits and exercise regularly. Good luck to all of you who are going to have the surgery in the next couple of months. I hope you will be as pleased as I am.
edwardtm says
Thanks everyone. Your good words and support are inspiring to me as well. I love to hear your stories because I learn from your experiences as well. Good luck to everyone and I am here for your support.