VanessaVSGforme

Just thought I'd post a little update. June 5, I was at my heaviest 410 pounds. I felt like DEATH...literally. I had SEVERE sciatica which caused me to go onto disability after working for YEARS...I couldn't walk. I couldn't stand. I couldn't sit. All I could do is LAY THERE and cry because of the nerve pain down my left leg and lower back. It was either back surgery or weight loss surgery. Since I also HAD high blood pressure and PCOS plus VERY obese and the severe sciatica...I thought weight loss surgery would be my best bet. Plus, healing would be 2837739354928 times harder if I were to under go back surgery at my weight. Dr's told me over and over again that losing weight may or may not help my bulging disc which was in turn causing the sciatica but I went for it and just hoped for the best. Day of surgery 9/2, I was 367 pounds (I went on a damn strict diet) and today...I am 314!!! I am also BACK AT WORK with no more sciatica pain what-so-ever!!! I'm off all meds for high blood pressure and I'm feeling fanDAMNtastic!!!!! I love the way o feel and more so, I LOVE ME. I've never been one to post pics....but here we go. Not ready for the whole "body shot" because this girl is under construction but here goes nothin!!! Top picture is day before surgery...the collage pic on left is last month and on the right is yesterday! I drink 64oz+ water each day...and always try to get 90g of protein...even if I finish my day with a premier protein!! Alot of you girls and guys on here don't know how many of us look forward and look up to your updates and advice...@Babbs...@Elode...@InnerSurferGirl...all 3 of u girls I look up to and I cannot wait to keep on keeping on. Thank You from the bottom of my heart!!! -Vanessa

I love you more!!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Glory be all to God!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Thank you!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

YOU!!! You are one of the main reasons I'm here where I'm at today!! You encouraged me when I thought I had nothing left!! When I still couldn't walk because of much pain I was in even after surgery because of my sciatica. You pushed me through and you brightened every day after surgery!!! I love you so much Jen!! With my whole heart and I couldn't have done this without you!!! I am proud of US!!! We did it!!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Thank you and don't give up!! Keep pushing towards whatever goal is at the end!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Thank you so much!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I am so super excited!!! I'm a whole 31 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby girl and I could be happier!! Thank you so so much!!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Thank you so much!! I feel even more amazing!! ❤ Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Thank you so very much!!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App That means so much to me!! Thank you so much!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

@@Ladystorm Are you getting enough fluids and Protein?? Are you on any meds that might need adjusting (diabetes, hypertension)? Are you taking Vitamins? Call your surgeon - it's normal to be tired after major surgery but it seems you aren't just tired if you can't get out of bed.It's the sciatica.... ???? Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App My sciatica was at its worse BEFORE my surgery. It was either back/piriformis surgery or weight loss surgery with hopes that losing weight...helped! I decided weight loss surgery would in turn help me with so many other things. HBP. SUGAR LEVELS. ANXIETY. So I went with weight loss surgery. My surgery was 9/2/15 and believe me, sciatica wasn't gone over night. I just kept after all the protein (which I still do now) and little by little I tried my best to get up out of bed. I rode a stationary bike for 2 minutes which took everything I had...the next day 4 minutes...the next day 6 minutes and some days went back down to 2 minutes but the point was I WAS TRYING MY BEST. One October day...I woke up and wanted to go shopping for fall decorations and when we got to Target...my husband went to get my the electric buggy to ride around in because I couldn't walk...and this particular day I said "no babe, I don't think I need that today" I WALKED AND WALKED AND WALKED. My husband had tears in his eyes. I had tears in mine. The pain was gone. I don't know what it was...or why it left...but I thank God every day because I thought I was dying!!!! Maybe I stretched it out. Maybe I lost just enough to ease some pressure. I don't know. All I can tell you is TRY YOUR BEST to move and pray. I will be thinking about you and I truly hope you get better. I know your pain too well. :-( Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Thank you so much!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Thank you so much... I needed this Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App stay strong and don't give up! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

You're going to feel amazing and you'll love every step along the way!!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

❤ Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I'm so proud of you for taking the steps in the right direction!!! Remember, it's not just the VSG that's going to help you feel better. It's YOUR VERY OWN TOOL. You have to work at it every day and I promise you, at the end of the day, you're going to feel amazing!!! Protein and Water. Don't give up!!! Best of luck to you and let's keep in touch!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

@@Ladystorm Are you getting enough fluids and Protein?? Are you on any meds that might need adjusting (diabetes, hypertension)? Are you taking Vitamins? Call your surgeon - it's normal to be tired after major surgery but it seems you aren't just tired if you can't get out of bed.It's the sciatica.... ???? Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App My sciatica was at its worse BEFORE my surgery. It was either back/piriformis surgery or weight loss surgery with hopes that losing weight...helped! I decided weight loss surgery would in turn help me with so many other things. HBP. SUGAR LEVELS. ANXIETY. So I went with weight loss surgery. My surgery was 9/2/15 and believe me, sciatica wasn't gone over night. I just kept after all the protein (which I still do now) and little by little I tried my best to get up out of bed. I rode a stationary bike for 2 minutes which took everything I had...the next day 4 minutes...the next day 6 minutes and some days went back down to 2 minutes but the point was I WAS TRYING MY BEST. One October day...I woke up and wanted to go shopping for fall decorations and when we got to Target...my husband went to get my the electric buggy to ride around in because I couldn't walk...and this particular day I said "no babe, I don't think I need that today" I WALKED AND WALKED AND WALKED. My husband had tears in his eyes. I had tears in mine. The pain was gone. I don't know what it was...or why it left...but I thank God every day because I thought I was dying!!!! Maybe I stretched it out. Maybe I lost just enough to ease some pressure. I don't know. All I can tell you is TRY YOUR BEST to move and pray. I will be thinking about you and I truly hope you get better. I know your pain too well. :-( Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App Thank you so much!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Hi kathy!!!! Thank you so much!! I think I need to go onto my laptop in order to update things because on my phone, it does not give me the option. I will definitely try to update as soon as I get a chance. My SW was 410. My current weight is 244. I'm also 10 weeks pregnant expecting our first baby EVER. After trying for many many years, it's finally our turn!!! ❤ Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App I feel amazing!!! Thank you!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much everyone!!! Your words and encouragement keep me going!!! I have big news today too!!! I've suffered from PCOS for years!!!! We've been trying to conceive for our over 10 years!!! Guess what?! WE'RE EXPECTING!!!! My dream has literally came true!!! I'm living pain free. I feel great and now there's a little peanut growing inside of me!!! For all you women who are scared, nervous, doubtful...etc....JUST GO FOR IT. I PROMISE IT'S THE BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE FOR MYSELF. Of course, keep us in your prayers for a safe and healthy pregnancy!!! I love you ALL!!!! ❤???????????? Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Starting weight was 410 on June 5, 2015. Surgery date, Sept 2, 2015, I weighed in at 367. Today, 267!! I feel FANTASTIC!!! For those who knew my story, sciatica GONE, blood pressure pills GONE and I'm back at work feeling fantastic! Hope everyone is well!!!

Thank you so much everyone!!! Your words and encouragement keep me going!!! I have big news today too!!! I've suffered from PCOS for years!!!! We've been trying to conceive for our over 10 years!!! Guess what?! WE'RE EXPECTING!!!! My dream has literally came true!!! I'm living pain free. I feel great and now there's a little peanut growing inside of me!!! For all you women who are scared, nervous, doubtful...etc....JUST GO FOR IT. I PROMISE IT'S THE BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE FOR MYSELF. Of course, keep us in your prayers for a safe and healthy pregnancy!!! I love you ALL!!!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Here we are!!! Not even a year since VSG and down so so so many pounds that I will never see again!!! Just wanted to give everyone an update!! I haven't been on here at all but that's because I'm LIVING MY LIFE and not just existing anymore!!! I feel incredible!! Every day that I wake up and feel refreshed and ready to go is a BLESSING!!! I'm so happy for me and how far I've come and I hope EVERYONE has been doing well!!! Work. Gym. Beach. Summer time fun. Eat. Thank GOD. sleep. Repeat. This is what I do!!! If anyone on here is questioning yes or no...YES TIMES INFINITI!!!! GO FOR IT. You may have little regrets here and there but the end result is PRICELESS. Please excuse my after picture btw...I was freshly out of the sauna!!! Keep up the good work family!!! Starting weight 410 Surgery date 9/2/15 367 Today 247 Wooo!!!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Here we are!!! Not even a year since VSG and down so so so many pounds that I will never see again!!! Just wanted to give everyone an update!! I haven't been on here at all but that's because I'm LIVING MY LIFE and not just existing anymore!!! I feel incredible!! Every day that I wake up and feel refreshed and ready to go is a BLESSING!!! I'm so happy for me and how far I've come and I hope EVERYONE has been doing well!!! Work. Gym. Beach. Summer time fun. Eat. Thank GOD. sleep. Repeat. This is what I do!!! If anyone on here is questioning yes or no...YES TIMES INFINITI!!!! GO FOR IT. You may have little regrets here and there but the end result is PRICELESS. Please excuse my after picture btw...I was freshly out of the sauna!!! keep up the good work family!!! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! ???? Thank you so much! ????????

You look GREAT!!! Doesn't it feel good to know that food no longer controls us?! <3 Thank you so much!!! It's not easy but it's totally worth it!!! <3

It totally took care of it. Gone! Dr says because the less way pushing on our nerve the better and I totally agree! I feel so much better!!

Thank you!!! ???? Thanks girl!! I feel amazing!!!

Thank you, friend!!! How have you been doing?? It's been a little while since we've talked!

Heck yeah!!! I feel the same way bellaboom!!! So proud of myself!!! ????

Healthyamy...How are you doing??? It's not easy, but totally worth it!!! Looking forward to hearing if you have hit the 30 lb goal!

Update as of today! Current weight...267!!! Officially 100 pounds since surgery and even more than that since I weighed in at410, June 5, 2015!! Hope everyone is well! I feel great!!!

Just thought I'd add...I USED TO DIP MY WAFFLES IN KETCHUP AS A LITTLE GIRL. Now that, makes me feel yucky just thinking about that...???? I'm a big ketchup fan too tho. I loved it on tacos, burritos, eggs, steak, chicken, mac and cheese...just about anything!!! Meat wise, all I've had since surgery is chicken. Everything else just feels weird going down. Something to do with texture that just isn't sitting well...and yes...I've used tiny bits if ketchup on my chicken!! I figured since I cut out ALL SUGAR from my diet, a dab of chuppy AKA ketchup can't hurt all that much!! ????