AshevilleEddie

I started my journey in May 2007 with Lap Band surgery. I only lost about 40 pounds and ultimately my band failed. No matter how tiny the increments by which my band was adjusted, I either had too much restriction or nowhere near enough. Finally my surgeon just emptied my band and advised me to do the best I could to follow the protein first, low carb diet. In July of 2010 I suffered three strokes, all at the same time as a result of a vertebral artery dissection. I never experienced "typical" stroke symptoms. Instead, my symptoms were all neurological. A year later, after being quite immobile, my weight ballooned to well over 300 lbs and my diabetes was so out of control I was about to be put on an insulin pump. I made an appointment with my surgeon. After getting clearance from my primary care physician and neurologist, he removed my band, repaired a hiatal hernia and performed Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Within weeks, I was off all diabetes meds and insulin and it is now in remission. I am now at 175 lbs and maintaining.