Before & After the Sleeve VSG with Angela

Before & After the Sleeve (VSG) with Angela, losing 315 pounds!

August 15, 2017

Why I Decided to Have WLS

Even though my name is Angela, I'm also known as a flower girl. I'm the mother of seven kids. The reason I had weight loss surgery is to live longer and be healthier for my family. I started off weighing 490 pounds which was my highest weight. The struggles for me were the fear of not surviving. I also had severe depression. I struggled with not being able to do things with my kids and not breathing, just the daily things that I can do now. As simple as just walking a block.

Before & After the Sleeve (VSG) with Angela

OH Username: Mamaof7kids
Total Weight Loss:
 315 pounds
Date of Surgery:  8/18/2015
Surgery Type: VSG
Surgeon: Dr. Samer Mattar

My Surgery and Post-Op Life

My surgery day was August 18th, 2015 @ 9:36 am. I had the VSG done by Dr. Mattar from OHSU. My husband and kids have pushed and encouraged me to the highest I can go. My husband, Beto, and daughter, Alexis, didn't let me make any mistakes. They were my cheerleaders the whole way through the process of surgery. At first, it was a struggle and then, like I said, I have people that push me to my limit and don't let me give up on myself and always have faith in me.

I had to sit in bed for about a week to heal but after that, I was on my feet. At first, I thought it was going to be a struggle, but I told myself that I had to keep on going. I take it one moment at a time and had confidence in myself. When I first started walking, my goal was going block to block and you do that by taking it step by step. I feel very accomplished on how and where I am today. My family and friends are a big support system for me.

Before & After the Sleeve (VSG) with Angela

Milestones and NSV's

  • I am proud to say I did my first 5k!
  • I am finally able to look at myself in the mirror now that I have had surgery.
  • I love being able to walk and have fun not depending on anybody.
  • I want to be on the go all the time instead of being stuck at home in bed.

At this point, I still look at myself as big, but my journey is still not over. My current weight is 175. What I have to say to others is don't give up and keep on pushing yourself.


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