Katie C.

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This Nov will be 8 yrs out from having VSG.  I don't regret doing it, but I'm not happy with my overall results.  My top weight loss was 90 lbs, I've gained 30 lbs back.  Most high weight patients seem to lose more than I did, I think I got below 200 lbs for maybe a month, no where near my goal weight of 160.  The restriction is still working, I eat way less than my friend who also had the surgery.  She is maintaining a size 10 eating twice the amount I do and I'm still in plus sizes.  But life isn't fair.

Since it doesn't seem like I'll lose any more weight I'm interested in plastics now.  I def need a TT to take care of the droopy belly, would love an inner thigh lift and a little nip/tuck to get rid of the jowls weight loss caused.  Once again things are not fair, I have the time to take for surgery now, but won't have the money to afford it until I am employed again and then my time will be limited.

I don't regret the VSG, just wish my results would have been better especially considering the money I spent on to get it.

Today has been exactly 6 months since my surgery in Mexico, I'm down 67 1/2 lbs and thrilled with my sleeve!  It's been a major life change and not always fun, but the results speak for themselves.

The negative:  I still throw-up if I over eat, even by one bite!  the stalls suck and are disheartening, and it's sometimes hard to go out to dinner and only eat about a third of the meal before you have to ask for a take-home box, then you watch your friends eat, but you adjust.

The positive:  improved health--my arthritic knees hardly bother me at all, I stopped drinking most caffeine so I hardly ever have headaches anymore, smaller and cuter clothes, I no longer feel like the biggest person in the room, I have a kickin hourglass figure again, I'm wearing jeans again!, my Mom can wrap both arms around me when she hugs me, I no longer worry about the size of furniture or seats because I know I'll fit.

The big question I get asked is 'do you feel a lot better [physically]', and the answer is no, besides less painful knees, I didn't feel too bad to start.  I didn't have high blood pressure, cholesteral, diabetes, etc.  So I pretty much feel the same, but I can guarentee you that this surgery was necessary to avoid getting those diseases--that was a major reason for me to have it done.  Even though I don't feel very different physically, I do feel better mentally and that's a plus.

I haven't started dating,[not like anyone has asked!] but I haven't actively looked either.  Once I feel comfortable with my new self that may happen, since I've expanded my life expectancy it would be nice to have someone to share it with!

That's about it for my update, hope it helped others looking into this surgery experience.

I got home from Monterrey, Mex. last last nite.  It seemed very long and very short at the same time.

I arrived starving, hot, tired and w/a migraine...left hungry (nothing but gummy lifesavers and water on the trip), cold, and looking forward to my own bed.

Dr. Zapata was great, I felt very comfortable with him and his team.  I met with Alma, his patient coordinator only once, but she was always available by phone, the drivers were great.  I thank God for my friend Dawn who accompanied me, she was the real Life Saver on this trip!  I don't think it would have gone nearly as smooth if she hadn't been along to help.  I will forever be in her debt!

Hospital was nice, only downfall was the language barrier with some of the staff, but a doctor or ocassional nurse could usually speak English and get things right.  The room (suite) was lovely, but they do need to invest in new 'futons' for your companion, it was shot and uncomfortable.  The hotel was nice, staff was great.

Would I do it again?  at this moment I'm not sure, ask me again in about a month...

Due to recent health concerns I've decided to switch my WLS to the VSG.  I chose Dr. Miguel Zapata in Monterrey, Mexico.  My decison was based on patient reviews, his credentials, and proximatey.  I don't live anywhere near Mexico, but the flights work out to only be 5-6 hours away instead of a full day! 

I've been in touch with Alma, his coordinator, she is great with her answers and speedy emails!  Actually the whole thing has been pretty quick--after researching for months, I contacted them last Fri. nite, sent a deposit on Mon. and was booked for Nov. 12 later that day.  I've got plane tickets, hotel, now just waiting on some paperwork for my employer. 

I'm a little stressed out as is my nature, but excited at the same time...just want to get this new chapter in my life started already...