My Bariatric Surgery Story - Weight Loss Progress, Mental/Emotional Journey, Post-Op Recovery

I'm currently 7 months post-op in my bariatric surgery journey. I had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery in March 2022. In this video, I talk about the bariatric program I chose, my pre-op diet, the emotional barriers along the way, post-op care, weight loss progress and what life looks like today.
Here's a link to my PCOS video that talks about more of my "why" behind bariatric surgery: • PCOS, Infertility, Har...

[@sageandbone]

I'm having a gastric sleeve on 1st August (2024) (in the UK). Very nervous but excited too. Videos like this of people's experiences are very helpful! X

[@growwithshea]

Yay! That’s so exciting!!! It’s totally normal to feel nervous. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @growwithshea or reach out via email at [e-mail] if you have any questions or need any support! ❤️

[@mattersoftheart4628]

Good luck with your procedure! 🤞🏼🍀 I am at the beginning of the journey (UK as well), just been referred by my GP. How long did you wait?

[@jennyarney]

Everything will be fine! Sending prayers and positivity ❤

[@debrap7137]

I'm going through pre-op testing right now and hoping I can get the sleeve in July '24. I'm very independent and have always conquered everything that came my way, but couldn't conquer sustained dieting, much less weight loss. I've been hard on myself for not being able to do this, but have come around to the idea of surgery because at 68, my time is too short, and yet too long, to be spending it hindered and limited by weight. I've tried everything under the sun to lose the extra pounds, and even though some people view bariatric surgery as the "easy way out", I've suffered long enough and don't care what anyone else thinks. I, and my quality of life, are worth it. I loved this video, and I'm so happy for you.

[@growwithshea]

You’re amazing, Debra!!!! Obesity is a disease that needs treatment. So happy you’re looking into a treatment to help. Not sure if you’re on Instagram, but there’s a woman named Michele and her account is @gasbygranny. She had weight loss surgery in her 60’s. Might be a helpful person to follow and reach out to! She’s wonderful. 🤍 Best of luck with everything! Please reach out if you need anything at all. 🤍🤍🤍

[@debrap7137]

@@growwithshea Thank you. I'll check her out!

[@debrap7137]

@@growwithshea I found her and started following! Thanks again!

[@growwithshea]

@@debrap7137 That's wonderful! She's great!

[@judysmallwood1564]

I was annoyed I had to wait to get my surgery. Up to 3 months and lots of pre surgery appointments. I'm glad now because I decided not to do it. Did lots of research and saw a new PCP. It pays to get a second opinion. On my blood, I had really bad numbers. My A1c indicated diabetes and no one reached out to me about it. My doctor was shocked also. I'm taking Ozempic and doing the whole lifestyle change and my doctor is helping me tremendously just by listening.

[@truth167]

There are good and bad with all treatments. Make sure you get lab work to check your kidneys and liver while taking Ozempic.

[@growwithshea]

That’s so wonderful! I’m so glad you found a doctor who listened and could offer you treatment options so you could be fully informed on choosing the best one for you. I’m hoping the more people talk about obesity, the more educated our healthcare system can be and the more resources we can have more available. Thank you for sharing part of your journey here!

[@veronicavatter6436]

I've spent 6 mos going thru the program to get my VSG. the process is important. You have to show that you can change your diet, are cleared by psych, have a healthy enough body to go thru the surgery. Quick fix is not a good process for surgery

[@growwithshea]

@@veronicavatter6436 That’s awesome! Congratulations! I think everyone’s process can look different depending where they’re at in their journey. I had done a lot of nutrition and mental health work 2 years before surgery so I felt ready to do it. Having surgery is a big decision and getting the support you need before is definitely so important. Best of luck in your journey! ❤️

[@tapiwanyamukondiwa1608]

I love your story and its my 5th day post op and i feel great.cant wait for the results of ny surgery.for me i feel that i made the best decision. Mine was affordable in Turkey and the Doctor❤ super professional.

[@growwithshea]

Aww that’s so awesome!!! Thank you for sharing. So excited for you! Please reach out if you need any support!

[@gladlyme]

Thank you for this genuine life share. I'm 2 wks post op from VSG and your words have given me hope and excitement. I love where we're headed! Can't wait for your next video. God Bless!

[@growwithshea]

Congratulations! I’m so happy this video helped. The first two weeks were rough for me, but definitely got better. Sending love for your journey! ❤️

[@kristievead2385]

I had my gastric sleeve surgery on August 29, 2022. I did not know what a mental struggle this whole process was going to be. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@growwithshea]

Hi Kristie, thank you for sharing. It truly is a big mental and emotional journey. There have been some really challenging parts for me. And sorting through it has brought me so much peace. 💙

[@user-sl3be7ed7f]

My story could be your story. Metabolic disorder has been literally killing me slowly. Thanks for sharing cm

[@growwithshea]

Awww, yes! I'm sorry it's been challenging for you. Please reach out if you have any questions or need any support: [e-mail]

[@aymeesampson9139]

I love this video! Your willingness to be vulnerable and display your genuine emotions is so inspiring. You have such a beautiful soul and I’m so proud of you Shea. ❤

[@melodymarie2866]

I really appreciate your honesty! I have the same mindset. I am 2 weeks out of Bypass surgery!

[@growwithshea]

Aw thank you, Melody! Congratulations on your journey! Please feel free to reach out if you need any support. So excited for you!

[@shalamarsummers5303]

Thank you for this video I'm so glad you came up on my feed today. I'm scheduled for surgery on December 12th and your genuine sharing has encouraged me that much more thank you Shea.

[@growwithshea]

Thank you for sharing, Shalamar! Wishing you the best in this new chapter you’re heading into! I’ll be praying for you and your surgery on December 12th. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ReginaEzzougay]

Congratulations! Great story ❤

[@growwithshea]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@cindyneri579]

I love your video! I super love your wallpaper! I’m going in for RNY 2/28 🙌🏼

[@growwithshea]

Aww thank you! I’m glad you liked it! Wishing you all the best with your RNY journey! Feel free to reach out on Instagram or by emailing me if you have any questions or need anything! My email is [e-mail]. ❤

[@husnaisaac8014]

Thank you ♥️ Can you tell me more about ur thyroid and pcos situation

[@growwithshea]

Thank you for reaching out! I did a more in-depth video about my PCOS journey. It’s in my Bariatric Surgery/PCOS playlist. I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism and was on medication before bariatric surgery. After surgery, my numbers improved so I went off of medication. At about 1.5 years post-op, I needed to go back on thyroid medication. Hope this helps! 😊

[@eprohoda]

Bravo! gorgeous uploadin~gsee you later!😈

[@TheBrothersP3]

How much did you end up paying for your surgery??

[@growwithshea]

With insurance coverage, I ended up paying $8800 and was able to finance it through a company Blossom recommended. Prices are always different depending on insurance and where you go to get it done. Hope that helps!

[@sherrytiago6930]

I really enjoyed your story, thanks for sharing with us. I too had gastric sleeve four months ago having a great experience so far my only downfall is constipation, but pushing through it I take MiraLAX every day. I’m surprised with insurance you had to pay so much out of pocket. I was so fortunate to pay my deductible and my insurance covered the rest.

[@growwithshea]

@@sherrytiago6930 Congratulations on your journey! Yes, the constipation was rough for me in the beginning too. Miralax was super helpful. I’m glad my story has been helpful! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @growwithshea or email me at [e-mail] if you have any questions or need support! ❤️