Even though I was hesitant to reveal the how, I did share my story on Instagram (never used my real name) and there are videos my YouTube Channel. I have some preop videos there and early post-op surgery videos as well.
A few answers…
What procedure did you have?
I had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure. This is where they cut away a large portion of your stomach and you’re left with a stomach the size of a banana (your new sleeve). It’s called a minimal evasive surgery since it’s done laparoscopically. I had a total of five incisions.
How long was the surgery?
Surgery lasted about 90 minutes.
Was I scared?
YES!
Did I have family support?
At first no. Hubby was against me having surgery. We didn’t have all the facts and all you hear are the horror stories about people who died from the procedure. The actual numbers of people dying from this surgery and complications are very low. My children have been very supportive.
How Much Did It Cost?
Thankfully, our insurance covered a little more than 80% of the cost. There’s a woman on YouTube who said Medicaid paid for her surgery. As of this post, they only cover the gastric bypass (more evasive) and not the gastric sleeve.
What Was Recovery Like?
You know me, I did too much too fast! But I didn’t have any complications with my surgery. None. I don’t think I even took the prescribed pain meds. I was sore. It was difficult getting in and out of bed and turning over. I think by week two, all the soreness had gone away. I didn’t need a drain bag or anything. My surgeon is excellent.
Is Hair Loss an Issue?
Yep! I didn’t start the hair, nails and skin vitamins soon enough! Some people did take them and experienced hair loss. The good thing is that it grows back. So my natural hair is healing and being protected under neath “other people’s hair” right now.
What I Didn’t Know
I didn’t know my iron levels were borderline. So after surgery, I wasn’t eating as much and my iron levels dropped really low. Like so low they wanted me to go and have an infusion. I did not. Instead I took a high dosage of iron supplements and that did the trick.
If you have any other questions for me, feel free to inbox me on Facebook or leave a comment below.
#ThisWomanKnows
Follow my weight loss journey on Instagram and YouTube.
Lisa N. Alexander is the author and founder of This Woman Knows and What Million-Dollar Brands Know. She is an award-winning filmmaker, director, producer, and writer and is the owner of PrettyWork Creative.
Good for you! I have noticed for awhile now that I was seeing a slimmer you. I work with two women who have had both types of surgeries. Both women have done well and each has lost 100. Both are dealing with hair loss. One of the women has started taking the collagen I take by neocell. It is great for skin and my hair is growing like crazy.
I began a journey of my own in February. Thirty-five down…probably another thirty to go.
I feel so much better. I will start exercises this week. Not my favorite but sagging skin is not nice.
Happy for you girl. You look fabulous!
Thank you Sharon! Make sure you do something you love! It matters!
I agree. I am doing a plan called Trim Healthy Mamma. I was created by two sisters who are Christians. There is no guilt and lots of grace. I am loving it! I have lots of energy and feel better emotionally.
That’s what counts! I’m so thrilled for you Sharon! Congratulations to you too!
What a humbling story!!! God bless you!! What was your starting weight? What was/its your weight loss goal?? How soon were you able to get back to work?? Recovery time?
Hi Muff! I answer a bunch of questions on my YouTube Channel. Check out this video. https://youtu.be/sAWsrgNpC9c It’s my week one post op video.
Thank Lisa for sharing. You look fabulous.
You’re welcome Phyllis and thank you.