My name is Valerie and this is a blog about my VSG Trek. For those of you who don’t know, VSG stands for Vertical Sleeve Gastronomy, it’s one of three types of bariatric surgeries that helps people lose weight.
I’m new to blogging and really nervous about putting myself out there, but, I really want to help people who may be trying to decide whether or not they want bariatric surgery. Or, maybe they have already been through bariatric surgery and are looking for support.
Most people refer to this life change as a journey, but, I believe it’s more of a Trek. It’s not an “easy” way out as some think. It takes hard work and dedication. But, it is achievable if someone wants it desperately enough.
I had Vertical Sleeve Surgery in February 2015. I was 51 years old, had been morbidly obese most of my adult life and had tried everything from Atkins to Zone. You name the diet or exercise program and I’m pretty sure I tried it, with no long-lasting success.
All the health stats they use to determine overall health had been heading in the wrong direction. I weighed nearly 300 lbs, my blood pressure, sugar (pre-diabetic), and cholesterol were all going in the wrong direction for the first time in my life.
I’ll tell you a story about my turning point. I have a group of friends that I would hike and kayak with annually. We had been doing this trip yearly for about 4 or 5 years and while I know my health kept us from doing anything really difficult, my weight during that trip, the catalyst trip was, or so I thought, putting everyone else in jeopardy.
I was struggling to keep up and didn’t want to say anything. I was worried I might fall or have a heart attack out in this remote area.
How would they carry my fat arse out of this place? Would I live long enough to have fun with my grandkids someday?
I started finding excuses to not participate in the trips any longer or even just have fun around the area. I felt like a burden to everyone. I wouldn’t go on gal pal trips, I wouldn’t want to be seen in public with my kids, whom I was very proud of and wanted them to be proud of me.
As I got older I realized it wasn’t getting any easier to lose the weight, it was getting harder. I needed help. I had a friend who had the bariatric bypass surgery and had such great success, I asked how she did it? She encouraged me to attend a bariatric program orientation meeting at the nearby hospital. It took me nearly a year to finally attend a meeting.
Since my surgery in 2015, I’ve dropped over 100 pounds, technically, I’m still in the overweight category, but, I feel great. I think I look better too… even if, I do say so myself. I love to shop again, I love to travel, I love to spend time with my family and friends, AND, I LOVE to eat!! This VSG surgery got me back to living again. My goal with this blog is to help others learn about this life-extending surgery.
Join me for information, recipes, exercise, fun and learn how you can… Get Healthy, Get Living!