My Story

Aug 20, 2013

I was revised to VSG on 8/16/12. It was, perhaps, the single best thing I've ever done for myself. I'd had the Lap Band and it was, at least for me, a miserable experience. When I first started looking at weight loss surgery, I initially decided to have a VSG but then my sister had a life threatening complication following her RNY and I chickened out and changed to the Lap Band. The band worked pretty well (55-60 lbs) for about 8 months. After that, it was all downhill. Long story short, a "slip" was diagnosed in 8/2011 and I had the band removed. Following the removal, the surgeon recommended I consider a revision to VSG. At the time, I felt like a miserable failure and had no desire to pursue further weight loss surgery. It took me another 8-9 months to change my mind and in Aug. 2012 I had the VSG.

Initially, I focused only on protein. As long as I got in 60-80 grams of protein daily I was happy. After sifting through some of the posts on this website, I began to monitor my carb intake at about 4 months and began to purposefully limit them to less than 50 grams per day. I had a few stalls along the way but I stayed consistent and the weight fell off. I managed to reach a normal BMI in 8 months. I lost another 15 lbs and have been stable at 128-130 since the end of June. I'm definitely at the point of considering maintenance and I'm completely aware that the real challenge in this journey is ahead of me.

I didn't start exercising until Jan. 1 when I started the C25K. I followed its progression and by the first of May I ran my first 5K. As of now, I've run a total of 4 5K's. I plan on running a 10K in Sept. and running 3 half-marathon's in the spring. Currently, I run 4-5 miles 3-4 days week. It is definitely the second best thing I've ever done for myself. Sure, running has its physical benefits but its the effect on my emotional well being that drives me to keep going. It truly is better than any anti-depressant.

Some of my favorite NSV's thus far: cute clothes, running a 5k, being called tiny, being called "super hot" by 2 random strangers on the same night, being carried over my date's shoulder, being smaller than my MIL and all the sweet things my kids have told me along the way!

The food that got me to goal: Syntrax Fuzzy Navel Whey Protein, Fage Plain Greek Yogurt w/ Walden Farms Carmel Dip, Think Thin Mixed Nut or White Chocolate Mixed Nut Bars, Doctor Kracker Cheddar Pumpkin Seed Crackers, Plain Rice Cakes, Peanut Butter, Almonds, Chicken, Shrimp, Steak, apples, bananas, blueberries, cheese sticks, turkey pepperoni and one Hershey's Miniature milk chocolate bar per day. Please note, this items worked for me. They may or may not be a good choice for you.

Thank you to all the vets for posting their path to goal. As a lurker, it helped me find my own way and to be inspired and encouraged. Thank you.

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