Procedure Received: Gastric Sleeve
I have struggled with my weight since age 6. I was always on a diet or finding ways to try and lose weight. In my early 40’s I almost just accepted the fact that I would always be overweight and decided to just live my life as best as I could. In 2017 I met a woman at a resort on vacation who told me she had sleeve surgery in Mexico earlier that year and how it had changed her life. I was always overweight but not “obese” enough or any comorbidity to allow for any bariatric surgeries in the USA where I lived. After that trip I began to research gastric sleeve surgery and locations in Tijuana Mexico. Unfortunately my mother went into hospice and my husband was diagnosed with a debilitating disease that year and thoughts of scheduling surgery were put on hold. Finally in 2021 at my annual physical, at age 53, I saw how health was starting to be affected by my obesity (blood sugar, cholesterol and arthritis) and I decided it was time to put my health first. November 19 I had so much peace about my procedure and while it hasn’t be perfect – it’s been relatively easy and effective for me to lose weight. I had already lost some weight when I scheduled the surgery and lost 9 more pounds before the surgery date to be at 188. I lost slowly over the next several months – never more than 10 lbs in a month – most months only 3 or 4 lbs – but here I am, a year later at 131 pounds and feeling healthier than I have in years. I still have a lot of restriction when it comes to meals – but I focus on protein for meals and snacks, and I stay away from sugars and white flours. I allow myself a bite or two of my husbands desserts periodically, but focus on whole grains, carbs from fruits and veggies and healthy fats. I am older, but have more energy and less pain than I did when I began this journey. If you are on the fence – jump off and just do it. You will not regret it (ok not after the first few days anyways) and it will change your life for the better.
