Vertical Sleeve saved my life and i am NOT ashamed!!!
ngory07
Posts: 194 Member
Ok this post is a success story, a life story, and a dedication to all my fellow memeber who have had WLS
First some things about me
I was born in Chicago from drug addicted parents. When I was 3 my mom overdoesed on heroin in bed with me. It messed me up. I was given to my gparents so my dad could continue using. Everytime I cried the solution was food. Not a blame just a fact. I was sent to an orphanage type place when I was 5. There I was raped by a staff member when I was 6. My dad died when I was 8. Throughout this food was my comfort. I loved to eat. I got chunky then overweight. Fastforward to the teenage yrs. I've had tons of therapy and medications. Behavioral problems. I turned to drugs. Went into foster care when I was 16. My weight went from 230 to 280. Got kicked onto the streets when I was 18 and began using crack. Homeless and alone I found out I was pregnant. Quit cold turkey. Got into a program, went to nursing school, and got a job and my own place. But I was STILL killing myself with food. Couldn't do drugs but I could eat. I loved that feeling food gave me. It was my best friend and my worst enemy. It didn't care where I came from it tasted good and made me feel something. At 304 lbs and no energy I was depressed. I had Vertical Sleeve gastrectomy Jan 24th 2011. It was work. I went through an alcohol addiction after for a few months. I had to change my damaging relationship with food.
When I was growing up I was never below 200. It was hard. I was insecure, meek, and I hated myself. I cried because I just couldn't stop eating. All those things that happened played a role in that but I knew I was an adult and had to make a decision. I have a son who means. The world to me. Did I want him to grow up without parents? So many questions ran through my head.
A yr later and so much has happened. Some good some bad. But I finally feel like me. Like I can be who I really am without the extra weight. I felt trapped at 304 lbs. No my life is not perfect but I finally have confidence and I stand up for myself. And I play with my son without feeling out of breath. I dance in public. I talk to strangers on the st. I smile more.
In conclusion WLS was the best option for me. It has finally given me a life because I wasn't living before. But I have worked my *kitten* off!! And no one can take that victory from me. To all my fellow wls ppl on here I am proud of each and every one of you!!!! We all have different stories that brought us to that point but we made a life changing descion to improve our health. So I say be proud and continue on to your success. Much love to MFP for the support on here. Hope everybody has an amazing day!
First some things about me
I was born in Chicago from drug addicted parents. When I was 3 my mom overdoesed on heroin in bed with me. It messed me up. I was given to my gparents so my dad could continue using. Everytime I cried the solution was food. Not a blame just a fact. I was sent to an orphanage type place when I was 5. There I was raped by a staff member when I was 6. My dad died when I was 8. Throughout this food was my comfort. I loved to eat. I got chunky then overweight. Fastforward to the teenage yrs. I've had tons of therapy and medications. Behavioral problems. I turned to drugs. Went into foster care when I was 16. My weight went from 230 to 280. Got kicked onto the streets when I was 18 and began using crack. Homeless and alone I found out I was pregnant. Quit cold turkey. Got into a program, went to nursing school, and got a job and my own place. But I was STILL killing myself with food. Couldn't do drugs but I could eat. I loved that feeling food gave me. It was my best friend and my worst enemy. It didn't care where I came from it tasted good and made me feel something. At 304 lbs and no energy I was depressed. I had Vertical Sleeve gastrectomy Jan 24th 2011. It was work. I went through an alcohol addiction after for a few months. I had to change my damaging relationship with food.
When I was growing up I was never below 200. It was hard. I was insecure, meek, and I hated myself. I cried because I just couldn't stop eating. All those things that happened played a role in that but I knew I was an adult and had to make a decision. I have a son who means. The world to me. Did I want him to grow up without parents? So many questions ran through my head.
A yr later and so much has happened. Some good some bad. But I finally feel like me. Like I can be who I really am without the extra weight. I felt trapped at 304 lbs. No my life is not perfect but I finally have confidence and I stand up for myself. And I play with my son without feeling out of breath. I dance in public. I talk to strangers on the st. I smile more.
In conclusion WLS was the best option for me. It has finally given me a life because I wasn't living before. But I have worked my *kitten* off!! And no one can take that victory from me. To all my fellow wls ppl on here I am proud of each and every one of you!!!! We all have different stories that brought us to that point but we made a life changing descion to improve our health. So I say be proud and continue on to your success. Much love to MFP for the support on here. Hope everybody has an amazing day!
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Replies
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Congrats on your weight loss! Everyone has a different set of circumstances. Glad to hear you were able to rise above all the obstacles and perservere. Sounds like your son saved your life too! Regardless of how you lost the weight, you made the concious effort to do something about it. WTG!0
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Congrats on your weight loss! Everyone has a different set of circumstances. Glad to hear you were able to rise above all the obstacles and perservere. Sounds like your son saved your life too! Regardless of how you lost the weight, you made the concious effort to do something about it. WTG!
Yes he did! He's my Angel!! I always say that God works in mysterious ways and I in no way deserved such a blessing at that time in my life. But I am so glad it was given to me!0 -
Congrats on your weight loss, and all the obstacle sometimes we are faced with in life and you have nothing to be ashamed off period!!0
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Wow! Congratulations on your weight loss! Agree with brit49 that you have nothing to be ashamed of! Look what you have done and accomplished now! Just simple amazed! Great job girl!
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God bless you. You have overcome insurmountable obstacles and have done an awesome job.
WLS is nothing to be ashamed of and for some of us it is the last resort and a very necessary step. I hate when people talk about it as if it was the easy way out. There's nothing easy about it. I had RNY and severe complications. But I lost the weight...almost all anyway and now that I'm almost 2 years out all the work is back on me. I do have some restrictions still from the surgery because too much sugar at one time will make me sick and my pouch will only hold so much, but I can still sabotage myself. However, now, 150 pounds less, I am able to go to the gym or workout 6-7 days a week. I am motivated to eat right and log my food on MFP. While I still make mistakes and have really been struggling with the last 20 pounds, for me the surgery was a last resort.
Again...great job and God Bless you and your son. Feel free to add me as a friend. :-)0 -
Clapping clapping clapping!!!! Awesome for you...hold your head high and be proud!!
Mandy0 -
1. I am SUPER proud of you for putting that all out there, because we know you didnt have to - so Kudos for that!
2. I can TOTALLY relate to how the family resolved issues - with food.
*grabbing pom poms to cheer you on* YGG! Rock that sleeve!0 -
i think you did great ..but can i ask you a question ?? and personally i dont think losing by weight loss surgery is anything to be ashamed of ....you did the work and you used a tool ..just like everyone else ...
but does the sleeve do something to take away the hunger ??? or does it just limit the amount you can eat ...sorry im ignorant about this type of surgery0 -
I would never judge someone who made a choice for them that was for their health. You should be extremely proud of yourself, not just for your weight loss, but from overcoming some huge obstacles in life. Congrats to you:flowerforyou:0
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wow... god bless!0
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You're amazing.
and your son is gorgeous!!0 -
Wow...what an absolutely amazing story you have. The first part of your life just absolutely heartbreaking. But, you made it out of the darkness. You fought the odds and won. I understand what you are saying about food being your best friend and your worst enemy. I feel like so many people don't understand that food is an addication and can be a drug. It's not like you can just stop eating! I am so happy for you and the life you have made for yourself. Congrats on all your success and thanks for sharing your story!0
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Wow. Amazing changes in your life. You are strong.
Pam0 -
Congratulations!! Well done, you've showed everyone that you change. You can be the change that you want!!! Your son has an awesome example of strength, courage and love.0
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i think you did great ..but can i ask you a question ?? and personally i dont think losing by weight loss surgery is anything to be ashamed of ....you did the work and you used a tool ..just like everyone else ...
but does the sleeve do something to take away the hunger ??? or does it just limit the amount you can eat ...sorry im ignorant about this type of surgery
Feel free to ask away. It did at first. For about 8 months. It varies from person to person. Some is back now and I can eat more than I could at first. But its not the same "type" of hunger like before. And a little goes a long way when I snack because of it. I still have to be mindfull of mindless eating.
Thank u everybody for your comments and support!0 -
i think you did great ..but can i ask you a question ?? and personally i dont think losing by weight loss surgery is anything to be ashamed of ....you did the work and you used a tool ..just like everyone else ...
but does the sleeve do something to take away the hunger ??? or does it just limit the amount you can eat ...sorry im ignorant about this type of surgery
I have had the vertical sleeve as well, and I do not feel hungry. I literally have to make myself eat, to ensure I get enough protein in my diet.0 -
I'm proud to have you as a MFP friend, Ngory, AND this is one of the few times I will break my rule to no longer post on the forums. You more than deserve the kudos and acknowledgement and congratulations.
As you know, my weight loss journey is nothing like yours---not nearly so traumatic--however, I also had a VSG and credit it with saving my life. I lost over 123 pounds and have kept it off for over 15 months. Not only that, I'm more fit and healthy than ever before in my life. I will not now, or ever, justify my WLS choice, just as I don't ask those judgemental folks to justify their choices.
There was an earlier question about the VSG and hunger, I'd like to take a moment to explain. A VSG is not gastric bypass, it's actually a removal of 85-90% of the stomach (not stapling, removal). The most important part that is removed is the part of your stomach that creates the hunger causing hormone, ghrellin. So, not only do folks with VSGs have a small stomach, they have a very reduced hunger level. Though the new sized stomach will stretch a bit, it will never be at the capacity of a "normal" stomach. Right now, two years out (today is my surgiversary!), my stomach holds no more than 6 ounces at one time. I eat small meals, high in protein, all day long to get my maintenance calories in. I make the food I eat count--and only occassionally have a sweet if I want it. I exercise regularly to be fit.
Hope that answered the above question, and again, Ngory, you are a hero!0 -
Never be ashamed of who you are! I'm so happy to know you and now even more so you have overcome so much and this is just part of the journey. you know that!!! Never forget life is about living so get out there and live!!!!0
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I had my VSG in May 2011 and have so far lost 61lbs and I have about 50 more to go! Congrats on your success 0
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I'm proud to have you as a MFP friend, Ngory, AND this is one of the few times I will break my rule to no longer post on the forums. You more than deserve the kudos and acknowledgement and congratulations.
As you know, my weight loss journey is nothing like yours---not nearly so traumatic--however, I also had a VSG and credit it with saving my life. I lost over 123 pounds and have kept it off for over 15 months. Not only that, I'm more fit and healthy than ever before in my life. I will not now, or ever, justify my WLS choice, just as I don't ask those judgemental folks to justify their choices.
There was an earlier question about the VSG and hunger, I'd like to take a moment to explain. A VSG is not gastric bypass, it's actually a removal of 85-90% of the stomach (not stapling, removal). The most important part that is removed is the part of your stomach that creates the hunger causing hormone, ghrellin. So, not only do folks with VSGs have a small stomach, they have a very reduced hunger level. Though the new sized stomach will stretch a bit, it will never be at the capacity of a "normal" stomach. Right now, two years out (today is my surgiversary!), my stomach holds no more than 6 ounces at one time. I eat small meals, high in protein, all day long to get my maintenance calories in. I make the food I eat count--and only occassionally have a sweet if I want it. I exercise regularly to be fit.
Hope that answered the above question, and again, Ngory, you are a hero!
Thank u so much for your sweet words!! You are one of my biggest inspirations on here! And your weight loss has been amazing! I'm just praying I can maintain as well as you!!0 -
Never be ashamed of who you are! I'm so happy to know you and now even more so you have overcome so much and this is just part of the journey. you know that!!! Never forget life is about living so get out there and live!!!!
Thank you so much!! And u are a very wise woman! Life is much too short to be miserable!0 -
Heart touching story! I too will have the sleeve done by June. I am glad that a lot of people realize it is just another TOOL for people to use. I have lost but I need to loose about how much you have, so long road ahead! Thank you so much for sharing your story when you didn't have to and I'm so glad you have your amazing son to share this with!!
Love & support fellow MFP's!! That's all we really ask for! :flowerforyou:0 -
I know your struggle as I have lived it even though I did not have the added burden of drug addicted parents. I had WLS (gastric bypass surgery) in Nov.2010 and i also am not ashamed to tell others as it has saved my life.
For nearly 50 years I have tried every diet and exercise program around and could only lose about 50lbs of my 325lbs and keep it off. My attempts to exercise usually left me injured. My body struggled under the weight and the many drugs I had to take to try to manage my health problems (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, joint problems, etc.) My thyroid was removed when i was 18 y/o, and I had strong genetic link to obesity in my family as well. But, i never used those things as excuses to quit trying to lose weight.
For more than 40 yrs I tried to lose weight the conventional way with only a minimal improvement in my health. Finally, I had a doctor tell me the truth, that if I did not try something new that i would die of obesity sooner rather than later. He laid out my odds--he showed me that metabolically it was very unlikely that I would ever lose the weight and keep it off without changing the way my metabolism functions. He told me that >90% of people who have the specific hormonal and metabolic problems that I had might lose the weight, but will gain the majority if not more back. That is what I had experience for >40 yrs. He asked me why i keep trying the same solution and expecting a different outcome. This was not a surgeon and he had nothing to gain by my decision to have WLS. He just showed me the fact that at 50 yrs old my chances for living were better with WLS than if I continued with the medical problems I had as a result of obesity.
So, after much prayer and self evaluation, I took the drastic step of WLS. Only ONE DAY after my operation, I no longer had high blood pressure, no longer had high blood sugar, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. And to this day (more than a year later), I have never had those problems again. I have lost nearly 160lbs. I can now do cardio 4 days a week and strength training 2 days a week without injury. I am not, nor never have been lazy or failed to care about my weight, health and appearance i was just unable to beat the strikes I had against me with conventional diet and exercise.
Don't get me wrong, I have known people who choose WLS are looking for a quick fix. They are not looking to make the hard changes in their lives to have lasting health and fitness. Those WLS patients may lose weight initially, but because they were not committed to a lifestyle change they will still regain the weight eventually even after WLS. I do not recommend WLS to everyone I know who is overweight. It is hard and it is not a quick fix as many believe. There are those of us that are truly committed to a healthy lifestyle and have legitamate reasons why traditional weightloss programs have not worked for us. And for us, I am grateful that science has discovered a way for us to find success in weightloss and live full and happy lives.
NGORY07... keep up the good work! I know how hard you have worked to get where you are today as i have walked that walk as well this last year. Don't let anyone tell you that you took the easy way out. You were FIGHTING FOR YOUR VERY LIFE--and you WON! I am so very proud of you.0 -
JUST WANT TO SAY HOW BRAVE YOUR ARE FOR PUTTING THIS OUT THERE AND HOW AMAZING YOU TRUELY ARE TO INSPIRE SOOO MANY PEOPLE THROUGH YOUR SUCCESS AND JOURNEY!!! THANK YOU 0 -
Wow. Amazing story. I am so proud of you for all you have accomplished. That is fantastic!0
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Thanks for sharing your story - I can relate to it having had a traumatic childhood and messed up teens resulting in drug addiction also. Take away the drugs and there is only food. Very brave of you to share - and you are right to not be ashamed. You have made a choice that is saving your life as I am sure sou have made a number of life saving choices.
(I had my surgery 3 years ago but it was not terribly successful in my case as I had not learned how to eat in a healthy way and thats why I am here on MFP. )0 -
I know your struggle as I have lived it even though I did not have the added burden of drug addicted parents. I had WLS (gastric bypass surgery) in Nov.2010 and i also am not ashamed to tell others as it has saved my life.
For nearly 50 years I have tried every diet and exercise program around and could only lose about 50lbs of my 325lbs and keep it off. My attempts to exercise usually left me injured. My body struggled under the weight and the many drugs I had to take to try to manage my health problems (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, joint problems, etc.) My thyroid was removed when i was 18 y/o, and I had strong genetic link to obesity in my family as well. But, i never used those things as excuses to quit trying to lose weight.
For more than 40 yrs I tried to lose weight the conventional way with only a minimal improvement in my health. Finally, I had a doctor tell me the truth, that if I did not try something new that i would die of obesity sooner rather than later. He laid out my odds--he showed me that metabolically it was very unlikely that I would ever lose the weight and keep it off without changing the way my metabolism functions. He told me that >90% of people who have the specific hormonal and metabolic problems that I had might lose the weight, but will gain the majority if not more back. That is what I had experience for >40 yrs. He asked me why i keep trying the same solution and expecting a different outcome. This was not a surgeon and he had nothing to gain by my decision to have WLS. He just showed me the fact that at 50 yrs old my chances for living were better with WLS than if I continued with the medical problems I had as a result of obesity.
So, after much prayer and self evaluation, I took the drastic step of WLS. Only ONE DAY after my operation, I no longer had high blood pressure, no longer had high blood sugar, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. And to this day (more than a year later), I have never had those problems again. I have lost nearly 160lbs. I can now do cardio 4 days a week and strength training 2 days a week without injury. I am not, nor never have been lazy or failed to care about my weight, health and appearance i was just unable to beat the strikes I had against me with conventional diet and exercise.
Don't get me wrong, I have known people who choose WLS are looking for a quick fix. They are not looking to make the hard changes in their lives to have lasting health and fitness. Those WLS patients may lose weight initially, but because they were not committed to a lifestyle change they will still regain the weight eventually even after WLS. I do not recommend WLS to everyone I know who is overweight. It is hard and it is not a quick fix as many believe. There are those of us that are truly committed to a healthy lifestyle and have legitamate reasons why traditional weightloss programs have not worked for us. And for us, I am grateful that science has discovered a way for us to find success in weightloss and live full and happy lives.
NGORY07... keep up the good work! I know how hard you have worked to get where you are today as i have walked that walk as well this last year. Don't let anyone tell you that you took the easy way out. You were FIGHTING FOR YOUR VERY LIFE--and you WON! I am so very proud of you.
Thanks I for sharing your story!! And u are right its not for everyone. Congrats on your success!0 -
Good for you babe! Isn't it amazing how having a child can change your life in so many ways? I will share part of my story with you as well, it is similar to yours, but I have not been through even half of what you have.
When I was 16 I started experimenting with pills and alcohol. I didn't get bad right away, just here and there to have a good time. When I was 20 I went through a very bad breakup, he was an unemployed heroin addict that I had been supporting for 2 years, and he left me for another woman that made more money than I did, therefore could buy more drugs. That is when I started drinking heavily ever night and popping pills more and more frequently. I was sleeping around, chain smoking cigarettes and pot, and not really caring about anything, and that is when I put on a lot of weight.
About 6 months later, I found out I was pregnant. I didn't know which of the guys I was messing around with was the father. I was chugging Mike's hard lemonade to make myself have to pee so I could take test after test because I kept telling myself it was wrong. Once I finally stopped kidding myself and accepted that I was pregnant I broke down and considered abortion. My whole life I was against abortion and would have never EVER considered that, but I was panicking about the whole situation. Luckily, I could not afford it, because having that child really did turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I love my boys with all my heart, and I don't know where I would be right now without them.
Congrats on all your accomplishments, and I pray that you continue to do well!0 -
Congratulations. You have overcome a LOT, to say the least. Way to be a better role model for your son. 0
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Good for you babe! Isn't it amazing how having a child can change your life in so many ways? I will share part of my story with you as well, it is similar to yours, but I have not been through even half of what you have.
When I was 16 I started experimenting with pills and alcohol. I didn't get bad right away, just here and there to have a good time. When I was 20 I went through a very bad breakup, he was an unemployed heroin addict that I had been supporting for 2 years, and he left me for another woman that made more money than I did, therefore could buy more drugs. That is when I started drinking heavily ever night and popping pills more and more frequently. I was sleeping around, chain smoking cigarettes and pot, and not really caring about anything, and that is when I put on a lot of weight.
About 6 months later, I found out I was pregnant. I didn't know which of the guys I was messing around with was the father. I was chugging Mike's hard lemonade to make myself have to pee so I could take test after test because I kept telling myself it was wrong. Once I finally stopped kidding myself and accepted that I was pregnant I broke down and considered abortion. My whole life I was against abortion and would have never EVER considered that, but I was panicking about the whole situation. Luckily, I could not afford it, because having that child really did turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I love my boys with all my heart, and I don't know where I would be right now without them.
Congrats on all your accomplishments, and I pray that you continue to do well!
You are so awesome! Thanks for sharing. So glad I am not alone in this. Congrats on changing ur life around for your handsome boys! The Mikes thing made me cry. A month before my positive test I took one that was negative. Peed on the stick, smoked a rock, looked at the results, smoked another. Actually drinking was how I suspected I WAS pregnant because I was throwing up which I never do. I am glad both of us have made such great changes. Never going back to that life again!!0
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