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It may seem like a drastic step to take, but for those who are desperate to lose weight and unable to do so through traditional means, weight loss surgery can be a life-changing decision. I decided to take that plunge, and I’m here to share my experience with you. After four months of living la vida leaner, I’m sharing my VSG weight loss surgery results and tips for adjusting to a new lifestyle after the procedure.

Introduction to My VSG Weight Loss Surgery Journey

I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my adult life, and it was starting to take a toll on my physical and mental health.  I really packed on the pounds after the death of my father and dealing with adulting. I was tired of trying fad diets, ineffective exercise plans, and ineffective weight loss supplements, so I decided to take the plunge and get weight loss surgery.  Finally, I grew concerned about more than my physical appearance but my overall all health when my doctor insisted I start blood pressure medication.  I chose to get a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) because it was the safest and most effective procedure available.

I started researching VSG and found out that it is a form of bariatric surgery that is designed to help people lose weight by reducing the size of their stomach. It is a minimally invasive surgery that is performed laparoscopically and usually only requires one night in the hospital.

I was eager to get started and decided to document my journey for others who may be considering this procedure. I created a YouTube channel and began documenting my progress, sharing tips and advice along the way.

Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery

Before I could undergo VSG weight loss surgery, I had to go through a rigorous preparation process.  However,  I was fortunate to have decided to use New York Bariatrics Group as my surgical group.  They helped make the process seamless.  As an educator, it was great to be able to have all my appointments in one day after my initial evaluation with the bariatric surgeon.  Then  I had to meet with my surgeon for an endoscopy; the cardiologist for a stress test and EKG; the nutritionist to discuss my health and weight loss goals, and I had to undergo psychological and physical evaluations.

The physical evaluation was to ensure I was healthy enough for the procedure. During this evaluation, I had to get blood work done and have an EKG done. I also had to undergo a gastric emptying test to make sure that my stomach was functioning properly.

The psychological evaluation ensured I was mentally prepared for the surgery and the lifestyle changes that would come after. I had to answer a number of questions about my eating habits and my motivation for wanting to have the surgery.

The Procedure – What to Expect During and After Surgery

Once I had completed all of the necessary evaluations, I was cleared to undergo the VSG procedure. I was given general anesthesia, and the procedure took about an hour. During the procedure, the surgeon made a small incision in my abdomen and used a laparoscope to view my stomach. He then removed about 85 percent of it, leaving a small pouch that would only be able to hold about two ounces of food.

After the procedure, I was taken to the recovery room where I was monitored for a few hours. I was given pain medication to help with any discomfort, and I was able to go home the same day.

Post-Surgery Recovery – What to Expect

After VSG, I had to make a lot of lifestyle changes. I had to switch to a soft diet for the first few weeks and then slowly start introducing solid foods. I also had to take nutritional supplements to make sure that I was getting all of the vitamins and minerals I needed.

I was also instructed to establish an exercising and sleeping routine. This was difficult at first, but I eventually got used to it. I also had to stay hydrated and drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

One of the main benefits of weight loss surgery is that it can help you lose a significant amount of weight in a relatively short amount of time. After my VSG procedure, I lost over 40 pounds in just four months. This was a huge achievement for me, and I was ecstatic with the results.

Not only did I lose weight, but I also experienced an overall improvement in my health. I had more energy and my blood pressure and cholesterol levels were significantly lower. I also experienced an improvement in my mental health, as I was no longer struggling with depression and anxiety.

My Results After 4 Months

Four months after my VSG procedure, I’m pleased to report that I have lost over 45 pounds. I have also seen a dramatic improvement in my overall health, as my blood pressure and A1C levels have decreased and my energy levels have increased.

I’m also happy to report that I have not experienced any major complications from the surgery. I have experienced some minor side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, but they are manageable and I’m confident that they will improve with time.

Tips for Adjusting to a New Lifestyle After VSG Surgery

Adjusting to a new lifestyle after VSG surgery can be challenging, but there are a few tips that can help make the process easier. The first tip is to arrange to get enough rest and drink plenty of water. It’s also important to stay on top of your nutrition by eating nutrient-rich, high-protein, low-calorie foods.

I also recommend joining a support group or finding an online community of people who have undergone the same process. This can be a great way to get advice and tips from people who have been through the same experience.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

One of the common challenges of VSG is dealing with hunger and cravings. This is normal and to be expected, but it can be difficult to manage. The best way to deal with hunger and cravings is to make sure that you are getting enough nutrition and to focus on eating nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods.

Another challenge is dealing with the psychological aspects of weight loss. It can be difficult to adjust to a new lifestyle and to stay motivated to keep going. It’s important to remember that it takes time to adjust and stay focused on your goals.

Support Groups and Resources

If you’re considering VSG, it’s important to find support and resources. There are many online support groups and forums where you can get advice and tips from people who have gone through the procedure. There are also many books and websites that can help you understand the procedure and how to adjust to a new lifestyle after the surgery.

Conclusion

I’m so glad that I decided to take the plunge and get VSG weight loss surgery. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience and I’m thrilled with the results.  I am still working on my goals with the tool of VSG weight loss surgery.  I can’t wait to see how I feel once I have reached my surgiversary.   I hope you will continue to follow my weight loss surgery on my YouTube challenge and please share your weight loss goals with me as well. With the right support, proper tools, and motivation, anyone can successfully transition to a healthier lifestyle.