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Erica lost 77 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Erica.  She lost 77 pounds after having gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery earlier this year.  She went from 300 pounds down to 223 pounds. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

“My name is Erica. I was a diabetic, had high blood pressure, and my knees & ankles were getting bad. My blood sugar levels were running anywhere from 250 to 270 and they started me on insulin. My doctor suggested gastric sleeve surgery to get my weight down and stabilize the sugar or death was the possibility I would face. I had weight lost surgery on January 29 2013. It was the start of my new life and I had the Gastric Sleeve done. My starting weight was 300 pounds and as of today, I weight 223 pounds (8 months later). I’m down 77 lbs. My goal weight is 190 pounds, so I have 33 lbs to go. I eat small healthy portions of food. Drink plenty of water and walk 5 days a week.”

What did you do to change your eating habits?

“My eating habits were a complete 360 from what I was use to. I started baking all meats. I eat baked chicken & fish. I use turkey products and cut beef & pork from my diet. Also, fresh vegitables are a big part of every meal. My portion sizes were cut to a 4th of what I use to eat.”

What did you do in terms of exercise?

“I work out 4 days a week. I walk a mile a day and lift weights to help try to tone my arms.”

What is your advice for other ladies who want to lose weight?

“My advice for others is to determine your love for yourself and make a commitment to yourself to take each day one at a time and if you have the will power to do it one day you will have that same power to do it the next day. You have to get healthy in the mind also to put it into action. And finally surgery is not all bad it can be a blessing for those that feel like they tried it all. I am no longer on diabetes medications or high blood pressure medication and I feel wonderful.”

Erica weight loss success story

What is Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery?

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gastricsleeveWith gastric sleeve weight loss surgery, the stomach is reshaped to create a narrow, tube-like “sleeve,” rather than its original gourd-like shape. This reshaping helps to reduce the size of the stomach and allows you to feel fuller faster.  It also changes the amount of food that it is possible for you to eat at any given time because there is little expansion room available to accommodate overeating.

Who is it for?

Gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is no longer considered an investigational or experimental procedure. It is a widely accepted procedure for patients who cannot tolerate other forms of weight loss surgery, such as lap banding, stomach stapling or gastric bypass. Typically, these patients have health conditions that would make the other procedures more dangerous, or are too morbidly obese to tolerate the surgery. Gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is easier to tolerate because it is done laproscopically through small incisions.

Special Considerations

Many doctors will require that a patient enter therapy or a weight management clinic before being considered for the surgery. A common requirement is that the patient takes off 10 to 20-percent of the weight themselves through diet and exercise before the surgery will be scheduled. There are two reasons for these special considerations. The first is that weight loss from the gastric sleeve procedure is much slower than with other procedures, yet the diet is more restrictive. This can cause a great deal of emotional stress. The second consideration is that without being able to maintain the proper diet, the weight will return but not usually before causing complications for you.

The other consideration that is different for all is whether insurance will cover it.  Each person is different and not all insurance plans will even consider paying for the procedure.

What to expect with Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is an inpatient procedure and takes about an hour to perform. The average stay in the hospital after the surgery is two to three days and it can take about six weeks after that before you are considered fully recovered. While you are recovering you will have to take great care with how you move so as not to strain or herniate yourself in the area that had the surgery. You will also have to play strict attention to what you are eating. Most people follow a very strict liquid diet to keep their nutrition up but avoid putting solid foods into their stomach until it heals. After your stomach has healed, the diet can be very restrictive in amounts and types as well to promote weight loss.  Following doctor’s orders is a must!

The Risks of Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery

While the gastric sleeve is considered by doctors to be a safe procedure, no invasive procedure is 100% safe. There are risks involved with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery that can occur during the surgery, and after. The main risks while in surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Perforation of stomach or intestines
  • Adverse reaction to Anesthesia
  • Bleeding
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Blood Clot
  • Pulmonary Issues

After you have had the surgery performed there are several other possible risks. Some of them can develop into life threatening conditions.

  • Surgery related complications post surgery
  • Liver and Kidney failure
  • Stroke
  • Hypertension
  • Hepatitis
  • Depression
  • Social anxiety disorders
  • Eating disorders

Talk to your doctor about any increased risk they perceive for you. Family history, current support systems and overall health will play a huge role in determining the risk level and deciding what are the best steps to take to keep you safe.

Keeping the Weight Off after Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery

Unfortunately, many people gain the weight they lost back within the first two years following gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. The problem does not lie in the gastric sleeve being ineffective, but in the aftercare planning for continuing the weight loss. No weight loss surgery is going to change your dietary or wellness habits that contributed to the weight gain in the first place. Unless you commit to a serious program of transforming your relationship with food, exercise habits and self-care habits you can easily gain back everything. One thing that will help is to follow the dietary restrictions you will be discharged with after the gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. Then immediately start to keep a food journal in which you track your diet, lifestyle habits and weight change. By getting in the habit of taking charge of your life, you can get the weight off and keep it off.

Chantal lost 114 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Chantal!  She lost 114 pounds with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery.  Here is what she shared with us:

Doing seven days of cardio and strength training classes at the gym and burning no less then 900 calories before I left the gym was STILL not working for me. After countless efforts and hard work that seemed pointless, I opted to have sleeve gastrectomy weight reduction surgery on July 2, 2012. With that and still doing my current 7 day workouts, consisting of a 3.7 mile walk, doing 440 alternating lunges and squats, 440 military crunches, & 440 alternating push-ups/arm dips, I went from 287 pounds to 173 pounds. I found the tool that worked for me. My diet consists of 80-100g of protein per day, along with all the veggies I can eat and half my weight in terms of ounces of water.

My motivation was and still is to be the best me that I can be so that I may live a long life and see my children grow into adults. My advice to others is to find the right foods and workout that work for and look good on you because everyone’s body is different.  What may work for one person may be an Epic fail for you!

This is my story, I am human, I am real, I am truth. Find what works for u and just go with it  Carpe Diem! “Be phenomenal or be forgotten”~E.T

weight loss journey

What are the Dangers of Gastric Weight Loss Surgery?

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weight loss surgeryWeight loss surgery is not for everyone.  We celebrate the stories of black women who have used weight loss surgery as a tool on this site because we believe that it is a viable option for many people and that they are under a doctors care.  We also assume that they were aware of all of the risks and potential complications involved with weight reduction surgery.  For many, the risks out weight the benefits and they are blessed to have successful surgeries.  For others, that is not the case.  It is a very personal choice.

Anyone considering weight loss surgery of any kind should seek out ALL information available from their doctors and other medical professionals about the risks, including death.  I’m not a medical professional but I’m going to present in this article an overview of information that I’ve gathered to get you started.

There are extreme benefits to surgery.  There are also serious risks associated with weight loss surgery, and the dangers are very important to understand.  While the serious dangers of weight loss surgery do not necessarily have a high chance of occurring, when they do occur they can be debilitating and life threatening. There are also some risks that are not life threatening, but problematic and they are equally important to know.

I’m going to focus on the 2 most common procedures – The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?

The two most common types of weight loss surgery are the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass. With the sleeve (also known as sleeve gastrectomy), a portion of the stomach is removed to reduce its size. This will result in making you feel full faster to encourage weight loss. With gastric bypass surgery, a section of the stomach and sometimes the intestine are reshaped to change how food is processed through the body. Neither is without danger, and both are irreversible procedures, which are the reasons why there is much to consider before going ahead with weight loss surgery.

Potential Life-Threatening Dangers of Weight Loss Surgery

  • Surgical – The surgical dangers of weight loss surgery are the same for either type of procedure. There is the risk of infection, perforation, blood clots, and having a reaction to the anesthesia to name a few. There are a few rare cases of death occurring during bariatric surgery. There is also a high risk of lung and cardiac problems occurring, mostly due to the nature of the anesthesia.
  • Pulmonary and Cardiovascular – During and after surgery, there is a risk of lung collapse or the lungs filling with fluid. There is also a risk of a stroke caused by an embolism or blood clot along with blood clots forming elsewhere in the body. You can also experience a cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. The dangers of weight loss surgery also include an elevated risk for a heart attack.
  • Liver and Kidneys – Weight loss surgery also puts you at risk for kidney and liver failure, plus Hepatitis which can then go on to develop into cirrhosis.

Potential Complications of Weight Loss Surgery

There are several possible complications that can come from having weight loss surgery.  While these issues ma not be life threatening when they begin, can create complications that are.  Here are some examples:

  • Depression – Post surgical depression can be common after weight loss surgery.
  • Anorexia Nervosa/Bulimia – Post surgical patients may develop either of these eating disorders or both together. Without proper treatment, each of the disorders may be fatal.
  • Hypoglycemia – An erratic processing of insulin and blood sugar can also result as a permanent change to the body’s metabolism.
  • Reactive Hypoglycemia – If a situation called “dumping” occurs during surgery or directly after, in which food moves too quickly through the system, it is called dumping. This can lead to a condition called reactive hypoglycemia which is similar to hypoglycemia but includes an adrenal disorder as well.
  • Sleeve leakage, Internal leakage
  • Nausea
  • Chronic Pain
  • Digestive issues associated with the stomach and intestines
  • Infections
  • Hernia
  • Hemorrhage

Are the Dangers of Weight Loss Surgery worth it?

Every procedure comes with a set of worst case scenarios for how things can go wrong. Weight reduction surgery is no exception. That there are risks does not mean that it should be avoided all together. However, there are certain realities about weight loss surgery that should be considered before risking the possible dangers of having it done.

  1. Weight loss surgery is meant for people who are morbidly obese. This means they are in excess of 100 lbs. overweight and their weight is creating life threatening conditions. Anyone who is less than 100lbs overweight is generally discouraged from surgery as there are still other, less invasive and expensive interventions to try.  Exceptions are sometimes made for serious health issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  2. Weight loss surgery by itself does not make you a healthy weight. You may lose significant weight with surgery, but not all of the weight.  You may lose too much weight and deal with “wasting”.  You may lose weight in the beginning  but then gain the weight back due to eating habits.  It is the start of a long journey to get to a healthy body that you have to commit to.
  3. Some people regain weight they have lost lost within one year of the surgery. They regain the weight because they never examined how they became overweight and made the necessary changes to their life style to keep the weight off.  No matter how good the plan is that your receive from your health care provider and surgeon…if you are not ready to follow that plan and change you lifestyle, it’s possible that you can experience weight gain.  Proper diet and adequate exercise are the only way to maintain a healthy weight, but you have to deal with emotional and situational issues, as well as your past.  Follow doctor’s orders and work to create a lifestyle that keeps you healthy and happy.

If you are considering the dangers of weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about how real the risks are for you.  Make the most informed decision you can.

Ariel lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story: Ariel lost 135 pounds with gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery and went from a size 28 to a size 18.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, I’m Ariel.  I went from 355 pounds and a size 28 to 220 pounds and a size 18.  My weight loss took two years and four months after I decided to have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. The motivation that helped me make a change was the health problems I was having, such as high blood pressure and heart problems.  I was also on the verge of being a diabetic. I changed my eating habits by cutting out sodas, sweets, fried food, and by having smaller portions. I also started eating more healthier foods and baking or boiling any meat I eat.  Exercise wise, I also started to workout, walk 4 miles every other day and complete squat workout challenges.

Ariel weight loss story

Mika lost 39 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Mika lost 39 pounds with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery.  Let’s show her some love for sharing her journey with us.  She was inspired by another story we featured and found a mentor.  Here is what she had to say:

Hello, My name is Mika. I am a mom of eight children who has been struggling with my weight for many of years. My family struggles with a lot health issues and I have been blessed not to have to endure any.  I knew if I didn’t do anything about my weight I would soon find out what my family members are going through. This March, I opted for the Gastric Sleeve my procedure.  It was performed on 3/14/2013.  My weight prior to my procedure was 256 pounds and my current weight is 217 pounds. I can proudly say since the surgery, I have lost 39 pounds. I am on a strict calorie diet of 800 calories post surgery. I walk and exercise with Hip hop abs on daily basis. It felt phenomenal to go into a clothing store I haven’t been able to patronage in over 13 years. My children and husband are my motivation. I need to be here for them. I also want to thank Black Women Losing Weight as well, because I gained a mentor from a past story.  Thanks to Tamika Gale, I don’t feel alone in this journey. I love the fact that she has been through what I am going through and embraced me with open arms. Thank you BWLW YOU ROCK!!!!!

Mika weight loss surgery success

Lauren lost 94 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Lauren lost 94 pounds.  She was scheduled for weight loss surgery but lost 50 pounds before her surgery date with Weight Watchers and changing her eating habits.  She went on to lose more after adding exercise.  Here is what she shared with us:

My journey of ACTUAL weight loss started Labor Day weekend 2011 on a whim. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired AND fat. I, on that whim, joined Weight Watchers Online.

My journey mentally started before I joined Weight Watchers. I was all primed to have weight loss surgery. I had gone to all the initial appointments. I had been to the all of the pre surgery appointments (psychiatrist, sleep study, primary care to get a letter of medical necessity, blood work, cardiology, gastroenterology, nutritionist and radiology). In my mind, I was going to have gastric sleeve surgery January 2012.

I had no idea how I was going to make Weight Watchers and weight loss happen but I was going to try. I have always given everything 100%, even eating so I was going to give losing 100%, too. I slowly explored the website. By slowly, continuing to make the same food AND measuring WWs taught me to make better food choices. I began to see the weight come off. I ate more fresh fruits and vegetables, even making them fresh myself.

I had done all the pre surgery work for my gastric sleeve surgeon and gone back to set a date. He said you are doing well, let push your next appointment with me out 6 weeks which I did. By the time, that 6 weeks rolled around I cancelled that appointment, too. By January 2012, I had dropped 50lbs and was ready to start exercising. I joined LA Fitness and started with a personal trainer 1x weekly.

It is now April 2013; 17 months later; 94 lbs down. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a 12/14. My shoe size has even gone from a 9 ½-10 to an 8 ½-9. I have lost at least 25 inches as of December 2012. And I am not finished yet. I am 12 lbs from my original goal and may tack another 20lbs on to that. And I am doing the C25K program with Black Girls Run starting this spring and hope to run my first 5k in June. I am also trying to quit smoking. And the thing that I am most proud of is that I am an inspiration to others!!!! I move more than I ever thought I would!!!! I work out at work. I go to the gym. I go to a group workout session on Saturdays in Camden, NJ with a GREAT trainer called Team Poke. I have done Zumba. All I want to do is move!!!!! My next “moving” is paint balling and rock wall climbing!!!!! This has been such an adventure. I have learned so much about myself and I continue to learn!!!!!

So the developments since I originally wrote this. I have, as of June 1st , have given up meat. I am learning to cook without meat. It is very interesting and exciting. I am now on the ecigarette. I’m closer to 100 lbs but I have more energy. My skin is clearer (switched to all natural products)!!!! I’m enjoying this experience and it is soooo empowering.

Lauren weight loss before and after

Chanel lost 132 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Chanel who lost 132 pounds with gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery.  Here is what she shared with us:

“I had the gastric sleeve weight loss surgery procedure, in which they removed 80% of my stomach.  It’s a little different from the the gastric bypass surgery. Once the surgery was complete, that’s when the challenge came Lol!!  Now I eat smaller portions but instead of three meals it’s now five small meals.  I exercise 2 hours a week and I break it down to 30 minutes a day.  I still have a long ways to go, but I’m defiantly on my way.  My Goal is to be healthy for myself and my daughter.  My advice: just embrace who you are. Everybody not meant to be a size 1 or 2.  I’m just trying to be part of team healthy.”

chanel before and after weight loss

Valerie lost 59 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Valerie who has lost 59 pounds with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery, exercise and healthy eating.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, My name is Valerie and I have lost a total of 59 pounds in 6 months with the help of weight loss surgery, exercise and changing my eating habits.  My starting weight was 299 pounds and I am now 240 pounds.  My target weight is 200 pounds.

My motivation to have the surgery was to be healthier and to live healthier! I had no prior problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc!  However, I wanted to be around to see my children graduate from high school, and to see my future grandchildren graduate.  I changed my eating habits by eating smaller portions on a saucer sized plate.  I also increased my water intake from a 1/2 cup daily to 8 cups daily.  I lowered my starches and carb intake, and I have found sugar free recipies for sweets.  My exercise routine mainly consists of walking (anywhere) for a hour to an hour and a half daily.  Having the gastric sleeve procedure was a life changing decisión that I am glad I made!

Valerie weight loss surgery

Rashaun went from 511 pounds to 295 pounds with surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Rashaun who lost 216 pounds with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery.  Her starting weight was 511 pounds and working out was a significant part of her transformation.  Here is what she shared with us:

I wanted to share my pictures with this group/page.  I started my weight loss journey on April 9, 2012 at 511 pounds.  To date, I’m 295 pounds.  I did have the gastric bypass surgery, which is the sleeve surgery.  I was tired of not being able to walk up 2 or 3 steps without being outta breath.  I couldn’t go to my daughter school events cause I couldn’t fit in the chairs, so my daughter was my motivation.  I changed my eating habits to protein drinks, oatmeal and only veggies.  I also drank 3 liters of water a day.  I started going to the gym.  I would work out in the pool, run 2 miles and then do a hour of water aerobics.  I did that 6 days out the week, equaling up to 3 hours per workout session.

Rashaun before and after weight loss surgery