VSG - One year out

[shriner37 249]

My one year surgery anniversary was this past week, so it seemed a good time for a little reflection, and also experience sharing for those who are new to the surgery or considering it.

As background, I am a 5'7" tall male in my mid 50's. Have fought weight all my adult life. I had reached my maximum weight of 301# last summer, fighting type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, and decided a change was needed. I was able to lose 15 pounds by the time i started my pre-surgery preparation last September.

My surgery and recovery were uneventful. My type 2 diabetes resolved itself immediately after the surgery. I lost weight at a fairly steady pace for several months. Then I faced some lifestyle challenges involving significant travel and eating out and my rate of loss slowed somewhat. I've gotten on and off track a couple of times during the year.

My goal was to lose 100 lbs. from my pre-surgery weight. I've been able to lose 75 of those pounds in the first year. I'm still losing weight slowly and have had no issues with regain in the first year. I've been able to drop four pant and shirt sizes. My health status has improved immensely, with way more energy and stamina than I had before. I continue to be amazed at the physical achievements I'm able to experience that would have been impossible before.

My nutritionist tells me that with full program compliance I should still be able to lose 10 lbs per month however I'm seeing that at this stage losing a pound a week is more reasonable. I still feel restriction but have learned what slider foods are and their impact on weight loss. I'm fairly compliant with the Protein aspects of the program but still reach for Snacks and slider foods too often. I'm certain this, plus some alcohol consumption have impacted my rate of loss.

The biggest thing I've learned is that the sleeve is not a magic fix for weight management. It is a tool, and like any tool you need to learn to use it properly. Managing diet and exercise will continue to be a lifelong task, and the diet changes I made last September were lifetime changes.

[Pescador 1,374]

Well said. Congrats! Diabetes is what motivated me and my husband. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

[IveGotThePower 395]

Thanks for the update. Congratulations on the 75 lb loss! That is wonderful and I know that must feel AMAZING!