Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

Misty | Fall 2020

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

"The Endo Sleeve gave me my life back along with the confidence that I lost so many years ago."

I had struggled with my weight for over ten years. I could lose weight, but it always came right back. I played this weight loss and weight gain game for years. I was embarrassed to be in photos. I couldn’t play ‘parents vs. kids’ with my children’s sports teams. It got to the point where I could hardly walk in my own neighborhood because my feet and knees hurt so bad. I would sit at the park and watch my husband play with my kids, upset that I could not be out there.

I had thought of weight loss surgery a lot over the years, the tipping point for me was after a complicated delivery of my twins where I required surgery and almost died. In my desperation, I decided to check out my weight loss surgery options. That’s when I came across Eviva and a new weight loss procedure called the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. After calling and talking to them I set up a consultation. I was blown away with Dr. Vanderwel and his amazing bed side manners. He made me feel so comfortable and not ashamed.

My highest weight was 230lbs. I wore size 16/18 pants and XXL tops. Dr. Vanderwel helped me loose about 30 pounds pre-procedure. The early days of COVID pushed my procedure date back a couple of weeks. I went in for the ESG May 18th 2020. Today, 5 months later, I weigh 155lbs and wear size 8 pants and medium tops. I’ve lost 45lbs since my ESG and almost 80lbs in total! I have found new passions such as hiking and have hiked all over Mt. Rainer, Mt. St. Helens, and many other amazing places in the PNW.

The Endo Sleeve gave me my life back along with the confidence that I lost so many years ago. I signed up for my first 5K on Halloween. I’ve planned hiking trips to Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe and so many more in the next year. Most importantly, I can be the Mom I have always wanted to be for my kids.

If I had to do it all over again, the only thing I would do differently is have the procedure sooner! For the first time in a decade, I feel happy and healthy and I really owe that to Eviva and Dr. Vanderwel!