Hello. Contemplating VSG...

[VSGtheNP]

Hello. 51 y/o, 4'11, lower extremity edema, no comorbity, and weight fluctuates between 220 and 210 lbs. After giving birth, I have attempted to lose weight for almost 20 years with little success. The best I have done was lose 45 lbs in 3.5 months due to an event I was in three years ago. Thereafter, I slowly gained weight and when I hit 50 perimenopause reared its ugly head, no cycle for almost nine months, and 30 lb weight gain. I have tried Phentermine, Keto, HCG, IF, and restricting calories while drinking plenty of water and going to the gym. Maybe a loss of 10 -12 lbs and then I gain it all back.

I'm tired of yo-yo dieting and I want my life back. My very good friend had VSG after seeing her family members having good results. I am in the research phase because I am tired of my back, knees, and feet (swelling) hurting. My fingers are attempting to get stiff as well. Jogging up the stairs causes me to sit and take a few breaths. My thighs feel extremely heavy. I'm ready for a positive change. I want to be around for myself and child. Both my parents have experienced one of the following: stroke, high B/P, heart attack, liver problems, and leukemia. I refuse to be next. I'm taking charge of my health and vowing to live a loooonnnnngggg healthy life. Thanks for letting me vent. I welcome all suggestions and advice. Best wishes to all of you living a your healthy life.

[sraebaer]

Best thing I ever did!

[ghost_ryder]

I will be 51 in March, I did many of the same things you did before checking out a WLS surgeon/program. I had the surgery done last august and could not be happier. It is not a cure all but it sure helps, the rest is up to you though.

[VSGtheNP]

Hello, sraebaer and ghost_ryder. Thank you very much. I look forward to researching and making a decision on which Mexico Surgeon I'd like to go with for the VSG.

[Ann2]

Welcome. If you wish, you can read my first three surgiversary posts (linked to below at the end of my signature block).

It will give you an idea of one woman's experience with the sleeve.

Spoiler: It's been GREAT!

[Linda51]

As long as you are committed to making permanent lifestyle changes, you will never regret the decision to have this surgery. I'm only 3 months post-op and already I can say, it's the best health related choice I've ever made in all my 66 years.

[RehabNurse]

Hello. 51 y/o, 4'11, lower extremity edema, no comorbity, and weight fluctuates between 220 and 210 lbs.

Although I'm 15 years younger than you, I'm 5'1" and had a starting weight of 218 pounds, so your stats are similar to mine.

I can relate to the yo-yo dieting carousel: I'd lose 30, regain 50, lose 60, regain 90, rinse, repeat. I can relate to familial health issues, too: my mother died an untimely death earlier this year. She was in her late 50s with obesity-related diseases.

I've lost 100 pounds post-sleeve and consider it one of the best health-related decisions I've made.

[gopostal24]

I think the key phrase that should help you decide that resonated with me was the phrase "I want my life back". I have struggled for a million billion years and have gone up and down (mostly up) for my entire adult life. I had VSG surgery on August 22 and for the first time ever, food is not an issue. Period. Not an issue. The part of my life that eating (and dieting and beating myself up and restricting and binging) was taking up is gone. I have my life back. Yes, the contemplation of how icky and invasive the surgery can be should be a consideration, but if you want some freedom on the other side of it, I can tell you that has been my experience.

[VSGtheNP]

RehabNurse,

My condolences go out to you and your family. Our stats ARE very similar. The yo-yo dieting for me is done. I especially tire of losing 45 and gaining 55. Over the past three years, I have gained 65lbs and need to lose between 90 - 95lbs. I know this journey will not be easy or difficulty. I would like to call it a well rewarded challenge to a healthier ME.

[VSGtheNP]

Thank you, Ann2.

[VSGtheNP]

Linda 51..... I am prepared to make the commitment. I am reading so many VSG'ers are extremely happy with their choice. It really does give me encouragement to read such positive results (mentally and physically).

gopostal24...congratualtions on your decision to "get your life back". I can relate to the eating, dieting, beating myself, restricting, and binging eating. I know it must feel absolutely wonderful to end that pattern of self destruction. I welcome the feeling of freedom and happiness. I can only imagine how it has changed your life. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you much success. I thank you all for the warm welcome, Much success and infinite happiness to each one of you.

[Lisa73me]

Go for it! Even though I had some issues in the beginning, I don't regret it a bit! Best thing I ever did!

[VSGtheNP]

Lisa73me, I am happy to hear you're doing well. I really enjoy reading about everyone's journey. The individuals who experienced complications and sharing their story, thank you so very much. I realize this IS a LIFESTYLE change and I have a lot of research ahead of me. I want to make the best decision for me. I WILL have a healthy and happy quality of life I deserve (my affirmation)

[Christie13]

We have similar stats. I am also 4'11" but I am 44. This is the best thing I have ever done. I had a similar weight loss/gain story. My sister is almost 6 years post op and has been successful at keeping it off. (She is 5' and was 240 on surgery date.) So far, my surgery has been very successful. I have no intention of ever going back. I weigh myself regularly and have a plan to keep my weight off. I love my new, active, healthy lifestyle. This is a great site to learn stuff. I also liked https://www.obesitycoverage.com/gast...erence-manual/. Good luck on your decision.