vgs08282019

Diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 17 years old. No one knew the true impact PCOS could have on women back then (1988). More is known now about the impact of insulin resistance and the insulin/pancreas/ovary perfect storm. My weight at the time was probably around 180 - 190 lbs in the 11th grade. No warnings regarding potential weight gain related to PCOS was shared with me by my GYN at the time. Infertility was the focus.
Years following were GYN docs who didn't specialize in PCOS. My weight continued to climb as I continued to follow the FALSE "Low Fat" diet, only to increase my weight. I followed all of the new research and attempted to regain control over this runaway train, but nothing worked for me. 
In 2005 while working on my BS in Applied Behavior Analysis, I began working on breaking bad habits and making lifelong changes that would have positive impacts on my health through the use of behavior modification. I broke compulsive eating, mindless eating, addiction to carbs and sugar, but none of the MAJOR changes had a positive impact on my weight. My overall health was good, but my weight continued to creep up. My doctors were always perplexed with how I could weigh so much and not be Type II Diabetic or have high blood pressure (I knew my odds were increasing as my weight increased. It was a matter of time).
In 2010-2011, I was able to reduce my weight to 308 lbs. A 14 lb weight loss led to the birth of my son. I gained 20 lbs during pregnancy and lost all of it within a couple of weeks after delivery. My OB forecasted doom and gloom for my pregnancy, but as usual, I perplexed him, too. No problems. No gestational diabetes. No preeclampsia. Nothing. Proof, I was an enigma. I chose to breastfeed which kept my weight down, but once I stopped breastfeeding, my body started misbehaving again. My weight increased 30 lbs quickly, and yet another 30 lbs would be added between 2013-2019. Actually, at one point my weight increased to 370. I FREAKED! No more! No more! I couldn't continue at this rate. I was beginning to really feel the impact of the weight. My skeleton couldn't handle the weight it was carrying. I was finding it difficult to walk short distances without having to stop and breathe. Honestly, I felt like I was dying (and I was getting kind of used to the idea). My vitamin D was critically low. I was exhausted all the time (the low Vitamin D explained both weakness and depression). Untreated sleep apnea wasn't helping matters. I wasn't being compliant in using my CPAP. I couldn't seem to keep the mask on my face and struggled with it too much. I have since VGS become more compliant with the CPAP. I am at least trying to wear it. As soon as I realize it has come off, I put it back on. One of my main goals is to never need it again!
Before deciding to choose a surgery option, I tried a couple of other healthy options for weight loss, but nothing was permanent. I needed a tool that could help me maintain the restrictive eating lifestyle I needed. A smaller stomach was my last resort.  I researched all of the options. I spoke with friends who had chosen VGS or gastric bypass and weighed out the differences. I choose the Vertical Gastric Sleeve, and I haven't regretted a thing. I am approaching 4 months post-op and am just 8 lbs from a 60 lb weight loss. I have been pleased with the results, as I have always been VERY insulin resistant and even the best options didn't work for me. 
Now, I am looking for a support group of friends who have "been there and don't that" with nutrition suggestions and warnings about how Keto/Intermittent Fasting varies for those post-VGS. I've learned the hard way that I can't follow the typical plans available online for those who have an average size stomach. 
Please reach out and share your story and experience with me. I am looking forward to meeting you.