Since I can remember, I have always been heavier than most kids. I was not yet the fattest kid, but was sure quiet when they made fun of fat kids so I guess no one would include me in the teasing. I have two siblings and growing up we ate the same food, but I gained the weight and they never struggled with it.
As an adult, I lost weight a few times, but it was extreme diet and exercise that made any of my fat budge. We are talking following the "Diet Center" weight loss program along with running everyday with plastic wrap around my body to loose weight faster. Crazy. I did hit my goal, but once I was injured from all that running, and could not run anymore like a maniac, I gained it all back. In the last 2 years I did a doctor monitored liquid diet and saw the results quickly. I was not ready to go back to food so maintaining it was difficult. Also, I was using food as a drug of choice since I was going through a lot of stress at work. By the 2 year mark of starting my liquid diet, I had gained it all back and them some.
I know others that have the Vertical Sleeve and have been happy with the procedure and their weight results. I started looking into it as well. I went to the informational meeting, then set up a consultation. At the consult they gave me a laundry list of things to do, such as different lab test, etc. I got all those taken care of within a week and when they had a surgery cancellation, they moved me up on the fast track. I know this was heavenly inspiration since I have been waiting for help with this for some time.
Everything lined up and I had surgery on Monday 1/9/12. It's Friday, 1/13/12 and I'm sitting up fine and drinking my Protein shakes and Water. I have not had any major issues at all. I was off the pain med by Tuesday morning and left the hospital on Tuesday as soon as they had my blood count up. Normally I am a wimp to pain, but I have had so much support and prayers that I'm not in pain. Yes, my stomach area feels a little sore, but not enough to take pain pills and stay in bed. I'm ready to live life and loose the weight with a smaller stomach!
Weight tracking:
1/7/12 200.4 lbs started my 2 day clear liquid diet
1/8/12 197.4 lbs, see what happens when you don't eat food
1/9/12 196. lbs, this is what I weighed before I went in for the surgery
1/12/12 193.2 lbs, here is my weight after surgery and now drinking Protein Shakes