Weight Loss Surgery - Before & After Photos

I was approaching 40 years of age at over 400 pounds. I was miserable and tired all of the time. I was taking 9 different prescription medications--high blood pressure, arthritis, narcotic pain medications, and more. I was unable to work outside the home because I couldn't be on my feet for too long at a time without increased pain. When I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease in my lumbar spine, they sent me to a pain management specialist who looked at the MRI for my back and said that the ONLY thing that would truly make a difference was to lose the weight. The weight from my FRONT was pulling on my BACK. I finally took the possibility of weight loss surgery seriously. The pain was unreal and I knew there was no way I could continue to live like that. I had my primary care doctor write a referral letter and I made an appointment with Dr. Daniel Stickler for a surgery consult.

Since my surgery, I've lost over 200 pounds. I am off of all medications but my thyroid medication, which I will take for life though the dosage had to be reduced. I am back to work outside the home in my field of choice--I'm a certified teacher. I can garden, exercise, and enjoy life as a first-time grandma! In short, I'm lovin' life!

My name is Ani. I had weight loss surgery April 17, 2008. The proceedure I had was the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I went from being a very unhappy, unhealthy woman, to a woman who loves life. I was a type ll diabetic, on insulin, and multiple other medications for depression. Currently, I take nothing for diabetes, there is no need, as my last fasting blood sugar was completely normal. I don't take any medications for depression, because I am not depressed anymore. I went from a size 20 and 3x to a size 8-10 and M or L shirts and I have not reached my goal yet. As of this morning, I have 11 pounds to go, to get to goal, and I have no doubt that I will get there. I spent my entire life struggling with my weight, but thanks to the tool I have now, I feel I will be able to control my eating, and maintain my goal.

If I was to offer one piece of advice, it would be to research all the surgeries. Find the one that is going to work best for you. I hear all the time how different surgeons will suggest what they think, but in all honesty, this is YOUR body, and you have to live with the consequences of your decision. The VSG is a wonderful surgery, and in doing my research, I knew it was the only one for me.