Weight Loss Surgery: Sleeve Gastrectomy - Total Lost: 182 pounds in 15 months so far*
*Weight loss results can vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results.
"I wish that I would have done this years ago." —Female Patient
I am a woman in my 50’s and have struggled with my weight since college. I guess that I had finally had enough and I decided to explore the idea of weight loss surgery. I was fearful that this would lead to just another failure since everything that I had tried had worked for a short time and then I put on even more weight.
After having a consultation with Dr. Dutson and his team at UCLA COMET I knew that IF I were to have surgery this would be where I would want to be. Everyone was very kind but also knowledgeable and I immediately felt that they truly cared about their patients. There was no pressure to make a decision. In fact, they required a significant amount of pre-surgery education so that they made sure I fully understood what I was undertaking. The amount of support both before and after surgery is amazing. It is not a one-size-fits-all program. I knew when I met with them that they were listening to my specific needs and concerns. I spent a few weeks thinking about what I wanted and ultimately decided this was the team I wanted to be on my weight loss journey with.
The post-surgery lifestyle was easier to adhere to than I thought it would be. I started taking short walks and made sure I ate small meals and snacks. I have lost more than half of my total body weight. I have always hated exercise and I now exercise 5 days a week and although I can’t say I enjoy it, I don’t dread it. I know how important it is to maintain my health. Before surgery my back, knees and ankles would ache and just getting a pedicure hurt my calves. I had headaches and no energy. Now, I still have slight knee pain but everything else is better! I walk at least 10,000 steps every day. I do not dread getting on a plane because I can fit in the seat! I am at a healthy BMI, I don’t panic at the sight of steps and when I go to my appointments with Dr. Dutson, I use the steps instead of the elevator just to remind me of how far I have come!
Every person is different. Every story is their own. I can only encourage you to give yourself a chance to live your best life. It isn’t about weight. It is about health and feeling good. It is about being happy in your own skin. I wish that I would have done this years ago.