I was looking back at pictures recently and realized that even when I had lost weight on my own, I was still not as thin and healthy looking as I am 9 months after my Gastric Sleeve procedure at the Midwest Bariatric Institute at Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Dyer, Indiana.
I realized after looking through 20 years worth of pictures that I had struggled with my weight for most of my adult life. I had done every diet out there. I lost the weight on my own three different times. In my twenties, it was always about wanting to lose the dreaded extra 25-30 lbs. In my 30’s, it was losing the dreaded extra 50-60 lbs. In my 40’s, it became losing the extra 100 lbs. This was something I could not tackle on my own. I needed help.
In January 2013, when I once again found myself as a size 20 and at the age of 42, I decided I could no longer live with the adversarial relationship I had with food. I thought I was making good decisions when it came to food. I was eating "diet" foods and was still gaining weight. Food was supposed to nourish me and instead, I felt guilty all the time. No matter what I ate, I felt bad about it.
I had passed a billboard for months advertising weight loss surgery. One day, last January I called the number on the billboard for Dr. Cahill, head of the Midwest Bariatric Institute and a surgeon at Franciscan St. Margaret Health. Immediately, I had a positive experience. I was informed of an upcoming educational session, which I attended just days later. At the session, I learned why morbidly obese people have difficulty losing weight as their body chemistries are working against them. I learned about the different surgical procedures that were available. I also learned about the support which is available from the Midwest Bariatric Institute including a nutritionist, counselor, internist, exercise program, a support group and so much more.
Of the procedures described, I chose the Gastric Sleeve. I had my surgery on April 16, 2013. Every patient situation is different so I can only speak from my experience. It took about an hour and a half. I did not experience any pain and was up walking around within several hours. The procedure is laparoscopic and leaves just tiny incision points.
Even at home, I did not experience pain. I had mild discomfort which I could use ice packs to relieve on the incision points. But did not need any of the pain killers that were prescribed in case I should need them.
After three days, I did not even need the ice. I had my one week follow up at the doctor's office and all was well. I was on my way to success! I strictly followed all of the directions provided and attended all of my follow up visits as prescribed. I followed the strict all liquid diet for several weeks and then slowly re-introduced soft foods as prescribed in the program.
I was losing 5 pounds a week for the first three months. As it turns out this is pretty common with many patients reporting losing 50 pounds in the first three months. At about four months, I was losing 2.5 to 3 pounds per week and at five months out, I was losing 5 pounds a month. At around 6 months, I started stabilizing and at nine months out, I have lost another 6 pounds.
I started at 216 pounds and am now 116 pounds. I went from a size 20 to a size 4. I feel fantastic!!
My relationship with food has completely changed. I enjoy it very much but in a different way. I see it now as life sustaining and filled with nutrients for my body. My metabolism has greatly sped up, and I enjoy the foods I enjoyed before and still lose weight.
I went on a cruise at the beginning of December 2013. I did not skip any meals on the cruise and still lost 4 pounds by the end of the trip.
Again, every person's experience is different, and I can only speak to my own. I am incredibly grateful for the new life I have. I enjoy shopping for clothes; being in pictures; and never get tired of running into people who have known me for decades and don't recognize me!
The program and staff at the Midwest Bariatric Institute are fantastic. The program is structured and geared for success. If you are ready to have your life back, give them a call.
It's hard to begin a weight loss program on your own, but you don't have to. The Midwest Bariatric Institute is committed in helping you achieve your weight loss goals in a way that can be sustained for the rest of your life. To learn more about the program, including information about free seminars and support groups, visit FranciscanStMargaret.org/weightloss or call (219) 852-2510.
