JV, One year after Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy's Story

I just passed my 1-year anniversary of my surgery date! I can’t believe how fast the time went. So many things have changed over this last year. When I was looking at pictures to do a side-by-side comparison, I noticed how happy I look now. I think the truth is more that I was so unhappy before. I was letting my life just pass by without being able to participate the way I really wanted to. Actually, the deciding factor for me to finally talk to the doctor about getting the surgery was when my friend asked me to go to Bodega Bay for a weekend and I knew there was no way I could do that much walking. I realized right then that I didn’t want to keep saying “no” to things because of my weight.

I realize that while “losing” the weight, I’ve “gained” so much in return. Self-confidence, improved health, love of hiking, being able to say “yes” to things, cute clothes, no seat belt extenders on airplanes. I’m even participated in the swim portion of a triathlon at the end of April! Me!! Swimming competitively!

I feel like Dr. Zare has saved my life. When I had my first office visit I weighed over 300 pounds, my blood pressure was “emergency hypertension” level, and my bmi was over 50. At my 1-year check-up I had lost 150 pounds, my blood pressure was normal, and my bmi was 29. Dr. Zare was very thorough in explaining the process, the nurses at the hospital all raved about him, and he has been very supportive at all my follow-up appointments.

Amelia was instrumental in getting my insurance paperwork approved without a hitch, and she is always supportive and available for any questions.

It hasn’t always been easy, but it definitely has been worth it!!