1/20/2009 4 years post op Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch VSG DS...

 

1/21/2013

4 years ago I underwent Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch with Henry Buchwald MD PhD Professor Emeritus University of Minnesota.  

I started at over 276 pounds.

I currently maintain 150-155 pounds.

My lowest weight was 145 pounds.

I am 43 years old.  I will be 44 years old next month.  

I wear size Medium tops / pants.  Size 8 or 10 jeans.  

I spent over a year here on OH websites and forums.  I researched scholarly journals.  I could not bring myself to have the lap band, or the Roux en Y gastric bypass, or just vertical sleeve gastrectomy.  The rate of regain long term was unacceptable to me.  If it were not for Obesity Help, and the VSG DS forum here and the honesty and truthfulness here I may still be where I was.

So, first:  THANK YOU:  You all know who you are here on this forum.  I was scared and lacked knowledge and you were all here.  It's hard to be so open and vulnerable and your doing so, helps so many people.  

Pre-op's take heart.  It's NOT a free pass, but it will help you achieve your goals.  This surgery puts you back on an even playing field.  You can eat more than 1,000 calories per day and maintain a decent weight.  

I ran my first 5K race on January 1, 2013.  I finished above average and above median for all 1,526 participants.  I workout 3-6 times per week.  It helps not only maintain weight, but MOST importantly with MENTAL HEALTH and well-being.  I go to spin classes, work on my core, and maintain cardiovascular fitness. 

Relationships:  continue to be problematic.  Mostly with men, and with family members.  Long story.  I read and study all the books written by Dr.'s Henry Cloud and John Townsend.  I think the knowledge found there is invaluable.  My sisters have not spoken with me in over 2 years.  My mom and I are strained but improving.  

I take my vitamins religiously.  I have had 1 iron transfusion.  I have had just 1 other health issue r/t my DS, but otherwise HEALTHY AND HAPPY.

I am super grateful for the blessing of the VSG DS.  While I sometimes, shrivel at the thought of my previous self...   I am embarrassed of her, of how large I got, of how I dealt with life, humiliated about the person that I was.....   I realize the importance of paying it forward.

Please, don't struggle.  Get help.  The VSG DS WILL HELP YOU.  Don't waste another minute.  My only regret?  Not doing it sooner....  

 

Vitamins 4 x daily:

 

Morning:

1 Multivitamin

Zinc 100mg

DRY Vitamin A 10,000 Units

Calcium Citrate 500mg (includes Vit D 250 U, Magnesium, Zinc 7.5mg, Copper 1mg, Manganese 1mg)

 

Mid Morning:

Dry Vitamin D 50,000 Units

Dry Vitamin E 500mg

Calcium Citrate 500mg (includes Vit D 250 U, Magnesium, Zinc 7.5mg, Copper 1mg, Manganese 1mg)

 

Supper Time:

Magnesium Oxide 500mg

Vitamin B12 5,000mcg sublingual (per Vercelotti)

Calcium Citrate 500mg (includes Vit D 250 U, Magnesium, Zinc 7.5mg, Copper 1mg, Manganese 1mg)

 

Before Bed:

Vitamin C 1,000mg

Proferrin Forte 12mg Elemental iron 1 mg folic acid (Vercellotti prescription)

 

 

Very inspiring.  I am about to get VSG, but the entire surgery to DS still scares me.  Reading reviews like this are getting me more comfortable, but I am not someone who likes taking supplements and pills regularly.  Also, I fear that one day I might be in a situation (natural disaster, etc.) where I won't be able to get to my supplements.  That is what really scares me.

Kitkat, Thanks so much for this post. I am having my DS done this Thursday. I have the Lapband and they are taking that out as well. Got the band because i was scared of being cut....5.8 years later...here i am. With Thursday approaching fast i am waiting for my panic attack..i am unusually calm. My dream is to run a marathon. Your post is a signal from above for me..you have no idea. Thank you and congratulations on you're achievements:)

I really wish there was a "Like" button on this forum.  Congratulations on a job well-done!

I hope you can find peace when it comes to your former self. I am thankful for every life experience I had because it made me the person I am today.

I am also thankful for everyone before me who has shared their experiences here, too, and that we all get to make our own choices. It's interesting how we all interpret the information differently. RNY was the best choice for me.