My biggest struggle prior to surgery was chronic back pain and lack of energy. I had two spine injuries that required surgery; my weight contributed to both injuries. I could barely make it up a flight of stairs without my knees hurting and feeling out of breath. There were so many things I wanted to do, but my size or weight would prevent me from doing so. My lack of self-esteem due to my obesity kept me from believing I could do the things I am currently doing.
I wanted to do outdoor activities, wear cute dresses and outfits, run races, and look good in a swimsuit, but couldn’t due to my lack of energy and size. I loathed clothes shopping because hardly anything would fit and look good on me. It was hard for me to find glasses and sunglasses I liked because my face was too big.
Flying was the worst, I couldn’t fit well in the seats and I was almost to the point of needing a belt extender. I had tried the Atkins diet in the past, and lost weight, but would always gain it all back, plus extra weight. I felt like a failure, uncomfortable in my own body, and had resigned myself to being fat for the rest of my life.
I was just DONE with being fat. I just couldn’t take it anymore! But I didn’t think I’d ever be a WLS candidate due to my hypothyroidism (RNY or Lap Band doesn’t allow proper absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication).
A friend of mine had told me about PSSC and about the Lap Sleeve, which allows for absorption of thyroid medication. Shortly after talking to her, I learned that my insurance would start covering weight loss surgery. I called Eviva the next morning and scheduled my consultation. They answered all my initial questions and I was very excited about my appointment. My consultation went very well, and I couldn’t get started soon enough! For the first time ever, I had hope that I wouldn’t be fat for the rest of my life.
My surgeons were absolutely fabulous during my entire journey. My after care was wonderful, it was the help I needed for every “now what?” or “is this normal”, and definitely helped me stay on the “straight and narrow”. I had several procedures with Dr. Harris after I had lost the weight. I could not be happier with the work he has done! He is a meticulous perfectionist, a true artist, compassionate, and truly cares about his patients. Everything I went through was completely and totally worth it!
I was sleeved February 12, 2014. I have lost 130 pounds! I have gone from a pant/dress size 22/24 to a size 0/2, and shirt size from 2XL to XS! My feet even shrank (size 10 to size 8.5)! I never dreamed I’d be this small. I never dreamed I’d be in a single-digit size for that matter, or be able to wear a bikini, but here I am doing just that!
When I’m shopping I laugh at the irony–I used to have to order a lot of my clothes online because the stores didn’t have anything big enough to fit me. Now I still have to order most of my clothes online because the stores don’t have clothes SMALL enough to fit me! I have GAINED confidence–the confidence to start a new business, participate in races, and to know I am worthwhile and capable of anything I put my mind to. I am stronger and healthier not only physically, but also mentally. I’ll be 40 in a few months and feel better than I did in my 20’s.
I would say to anyone considering surgery that it is the best thing I have EVER done for myself and one of the best decisions I’ve made, hands down. You are WORTH doing this for! You are given this one life, this one chance, and this tool (the sleeve) will help you live the life you have spent years dreaming of. You are worth being there for your family, your children, your future! Yes, change is scary, but without it we could never improve ourselves.
