jlbstep

One year ago today I had my vertical gastric sleeve. I was 59, diabetic, sleep apnea, asthma, etc and etc. I am 5'3" tall, pre-op weight 205" (this was not my highest, I had lost 21 pounds in 3 years). I now weigh 123 pounds and wear size 4/6 clothes. I wish I could say my diabetes is gone but I knew going in that I would still have diabetes after my weight loss. My diabetes is much better controlled and I still check my glucose levels 3 - 4 times daily. I had knee surgery two years ago and was told I needed total knee replacement. I may at some point in time due to damage to my knee but I know I have a reprieve, even if temporary. I had a sleep study completed in December 2013 and the sleep apnea is gone. My asthma attacks have been reduced except when exposed to triggers. Thankfully, the severe attacks have been greatly reduced. My blood tests are much improved and if I had to go back one year, I would have the surgery done knowing what I know now. Dr DePeri, in Jacksonville, FL is my surgeon. He is excellent and the staff of Advanced Memorial Surgery are great. The Bariatric staff of Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville have an excellent staff, Meghan, Jarrod (both have had Bariatric surgery), the educational program is the best. It is an exceptional program and the support does not end when surgery is complete and you are home. I believe wholeheartedly that the Bariatric Program at Memorial Hospital, my surgeon and his staff as well as the support and encouragement of my husband helped me succeed. I did not share my surgery with everyone. This is a personal choice of mine and I would do the same again. If you have doubts, ups and downs and those dreaded stalls, hang on you will reach your goal. Do not give up. I lost over 80 pounds, not as much as many but it was what I needed to lose. My health is greatly improved and I am so thankful. I am taking a yoga class. Tomorrow I am going to have pictures done. I have always been the one behind the camera, now I do not mind having my picture taken. I will share the pictures as soon as I have them. I like the way I eat since surgery. I eat 5 to 6 times daily, maintain my Protein and keep my carbohydrates at a reduced level. My husband and I do not eat out a lot but when we do, I am a "cheap" date! Most places we eat allow us to share a meal. If not, I always have leftovers to take home for later. Thank you Bariatric Pal for the opportunity to share with others going through similar situations. I have not posted much during my journey but if anyone has any questions, or you need an encouraging word during your journey, feel free to contact me. I will be 61 in a few months and I am looking forward to celebrating!

Do you have photos? You are (or were as of this date) where I want to be. Would love to see before and after. Am 62. 5'5". Started at 248 6 months before approved. Lost only 20 in those months, but 8 lbs in one week prior to sleeve. Sleeved Jan 15 (two weeks ago). Feel great now; am 211 for total of -37 lbs. had a great surgical experience & recovery and feel so good. My Goal is 135-140. Trying to figure out how best to get there both fast and safely. Tips? I am 60, on 2/19/13 I was sleeved. I am 5'3" surgery weight 199. I am now at 125 and very happy! You need to do this for yourself...not for anyone else or because someone else wants you to. It was the best thing I did for myself. I wear size 4 & 6 - did not wear clothes that small when I was a teenager!Keep it up, stay encouraged. There will be ups and downs. I keep my protein levels up, carbs down, drink plenty of fluids. I am at a point that I have to make sure I eat to keep my weight stable and not lose more. I have started yoga and enjoy it, although my knees are bad.I am proud of you. The health benefits are worth it.

Hi Dee and welcome. I can understand your feelings about going thru another surgery but it sounds like it's your best option unless you just have the band removed and see how you do, but that's still another surgery. I don't think your age isn't really an issue as long as you are overall in good health. I was 53 when I had my surgery. Otherwise, I would hope your surgeon wouldn't suggest it. However, I had a lot of reflux (which I had pre-surgery) for the first 3-4 months. It's much less now but sometimes acts up. I was told if it didn't get better the fix was a sleeve to RNY revision surgery. I wouldn't want to do that unless absolutely necessary. So I think you might want to research a bit more about the best option for yourself in terms of dealing with the reflux issue. All the best to you.I had my sleeve done last February at age 59...it was the best thing I have ever done and would do it again in a heartbeat! I had health issues, spent 3 days in the hospital. I have reached my goal. Go for it!You can do it!

I, like so many of you do not like the new version. I was sleeved 2/18/13 and went to the doctor today. My labs are good, cholesterol is still a little high but I have not been taking the medication. My A1C is at 7.0 and I am scheduled for a sleep study to see if I can discontinue use of my CPAP & oxygen at night. I have lost 80 pounds and am at my goal. I weigh 3 pounds heavier at the doctors office than on my scales. But, that is ok. I am very pleased and would have the surgery again with no hesitation. It was the best thing I did for my health. I am slowly coming off medications. One step at a time, it is a journey and each time I look in the mirror I am still a little surprised to see the new me!

I have assorted types of clothes from size 10 up to 18+ if you need a certain size, let me know and I can send pictures and we can decide on price. A lot of the clothes are new and in very good condition. If anyone has any size 6, I am in desperate need of some clothes that fit. Thanks!

I will get pictures for you. I just read your post. I had my 6 month post op follow up today and I did not get home until late.

8-19-13 I am 6 months post surgery. I posted regularly for a while but I retired June1st and I am just beginning to check out the posts again. I went to my surgeon today for 6 month follow-up. I am doing very well. My lab results were good except my cholesterol levels were up from my 3 month follow-up. My diabetes is much better controlled. My heaviest weight was 226 before I decided to check into surgery. It took me 3 years of yo-yo dieting to get down to 204. I am 5'3" and I was wearing 18w clothes. NOW, I am down to 133 lbs!!! I am almost there and Looking at what I need to do once I reach maintenance. It has been an awesome journey. I am so thankful and I do not mind being in front in pictures anymore.

What sizes do you need and what are you looking for?

I am interested. Count me in. I have a lot of clothes that need new homes!

I have three sets of scrubs, Salus brand size XL that I need to sell. They are almost new. If interested, let me know and I will send pictures.

Hi! I am 59 soon to be 60 in May. Last summer my Endocrinologist began talking to me about my weight. My diabetes was steadily getting worse, asthma, sleep apnea, hypothyroid, and the list goes on! I called my insurance companyand talked with them about my options. To make a long story short, I was sleeved on 2/19 and I am down 24 pounds. My blood sugars are improving and anticipate being completely off insulin in the next 6 months. I have had my ups and downs, it is hard to get in my Protein and Water every day. I track what I drink (sip). I use a 5 ounce measuring glass and log each one completed. My biggest struggle is that I am not hungry. I get in the protein because I have to but I am not hungry at all! Would I do this again? In a heartbeat. Fortunately I have several sizes of clothes in my closet and as I lose I am clearing them out. I shop Goodwill, consignment shops, Wal-Mart, Target, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, until I reach my goal. I enjoy reading the updates! Keep up the good work everyone.

Congratulations on the step you are taking for your health. I did not tell my family or my husbands family. I do not need the criticism and what you are doing is for you and your health! Do this for you and noone else. Hold your head high and stick with those that support you. You can do it, one step at a time, one day at a time. You will be in my prayers! Keep us posted and you will have support from those of who have been sleeved. I am fairly new at this and learning as I go through this journey.

Glad I found this! I am 59 (60) in May. I was sleeved 2/19 and adjusting well, healing well. I am beginning to walk on the treadmill again. I did this for health issues as well as weight loss. It is great hearing from others in my age bracket. I will look forward to hearing more from all of you.

So glad to hear you are getting better!

Hi! I am in South Georgia and Dr. DePeri did my surgery on 2/19/2013. I would love to hear your story!

Truly an amazing story. Praying for you and baby!

Proud for you. Wish you continued success!

I have enjoyed each thought about marriage and divorce after weight loss. I am 59 (60) in May. My husband and I celebrated our 41st anniversary on the 12th before my surgery on 2/19. Marriage takes commitment and work, compassion, understanding, love and support for each other. My Endocrinologist spoke with me the first time last summer about surgery. We talked about it many times, prayed about it and talked about it until they were rolling me back to surgery! He has supported my decision. I welcome the weight loss but it is secondary to my primary goal - my health. He has been great since the surgeryand I am thankful to have him at my side through thick and thin. I pray that your relationship lasts but if it doesn't move on. You are in the process of getting healthy. I want to grow old with my husband and knew I was headed the wrong way if I did not have the surgery. God Bless!