How long ago did you have the Gastric Sleeve procedure?
6 years ago
How much discomfort was there with the procedure?
There was slight discomfort the first 24 hours post-surgery in the shoulder area due to gas moving out of body. It was resolved with walking.
How soon did you go back to work or normal activities?
I went back to work about 7 days post op. I’m a nurse, however, my duties don’t require that I lift or turn patients over so I was able to return to work.
Did you have any medical problems related to your weight? If so, how were these affected by the procedure?
I had metabolic syndrome and was on Metformin for glucose control. My physician was also getting ready to start me on high blood pressure medicine. In addition, I had back problems due to my large abdomen.
How much weight have you lost since the procedure?
I lost a total of 70lbs.
On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you recommend this procedure?
With 10 being the highest recommendation, I would recommend this procedure as a 10 to anyone needing it.
Was there any downside to having the procedure?
There is no downside to this procedure that I experienced or perceive.
Describe your eating.
Initially the first year or so, there were certain foods that I didn’t tolerate very well, for example pasta. But now I am able to tolerate all foods. The only difference between now and pre-surgery is that I eat smaller amounts.
How much do you eat at a meal?
Breakfast: I drink coffee with nonfat creamer and 1 sweetener. I eat only one of the following:
- Boiled egg
- ½ cup of oatmeal
- 1 slice of toast with peanut butter
- 1 yogurt
Lunch: I drink infused water and eat a small salad with dressing and:
- Lettuce
- 1-2 ounces of soft tofu
- 1 teaspoon of dried cranberry
- 1 teaspoon of sunflower seeds
- 2-3 olives
Dinner:
- 2-3 ounces of protein (Chicken, Beef, or Fish)
- A small vegetable salad (1/2 cup)
Or
- Tacos
- Corn tortillas (2)
- 2-3 ounces of ground beef
- Lettuce, tomatoes, etc.
- Rice (1/4 cup)
How often do you eat?
I eat 3 meals and have 3 snacks (cheese and crackers, fruit, or yogurt).
Breakfast around 8:00 am
Snack around 10:30 am
Lunch 12:30 pm
Snack 3:00 pm
Dinner 6:00 pm
Light snack 8:00 pm
Are you hungry? How does it compare to before surgery?
Post-surgery I’m not generally hungry. At times I do get a little hungry, but not generally. Before surgery I would get very hungry and eat the first thing I saw to help hunger.
How is your energy level?
I have always had a very good energy level, the only difference now is that I am more comfortable with my physical size and enjoy doing the same activities that I used to enjoy, like camping, water sports, etc.
What do you do to stay active?
I travel a lot and I like to camp, hike, play sports, etc.
Did you exercise prior to the surgery?
Yes, I exercised before surgery but it was difficult to do some of it because of my huge gut and not good endurance.
Is it easier to exercise?
Yes, it is easier to exercise now.
Do you use a fitness tracker, such as FitBit?
Yes, I average about 15,000 steps in my daily walking. This is during my work hours. This does not include exercising.
As for your personal life, interests, and goals, what can you tell me about how these aspects of your life were impacted? How is your life different now, compared to how it was before surgery?
Yes, my life is different now in that I am so much happier with my self image and my health.
Has the surgery had an effect on your relationships?
Because I am happier with myself as a result of my weight control and health I believe my happiness and overall content with myself has had a more positive impact on my relationships with others.
Any newly set or reached goals?
My newest goal is to educate my oldest sister and have her realize that the gastric sleeve is a procedure which she could greatly benefit from in battling her obesity.
Since my surgery, one of my sisters has undergone the procedure and she is very happy with the results. Another sister of mine is scheduled for her gastric sleeve surgery in a few weeks.
Is there any additional information you would like to share?
I have been so happy with my results, and such a strong supporter of the gastric sleeve surgery, that I’m probably Dr. Marvin’s strongest advocate promoting this procedure. I tell anyone who will listen about the procedure and its benefits.