The Beginning of the Rest of My Life

My name is Ali.  I am a 25 year old (will be 26 in August), software sales professional.  I have struggled with my weight my entire life.  I decided to make the leap to VSG after years (12+) of unsuccessful "dieting".  I am young enough to heal easily and tired of after every "diet", I end up gaining the weight back plus some.   

I began my official journey with preparing for VSG on May 26th, 2015.  I have completed all lab work (blood draws), chest x-ray, and Upper GI test with barium.  I have also completed my first of two nutrition appointments with ease.  My last nutrition appointment is the first week of July, as is my "psych" eval - more to insure that I am mentally, physically and emotionally prepared for a drastic life changing procedure.

My initial appointment with Dr. Beeman Khalil was AWESOME.  He had a such a great personality that was welcoming.  It made me feel like an active participant in my health.  Since meeting with Dr. Khalil and my nutritionist, Darcie, I have rid my house of all items that I won't be able to eat post surgery - why not start now, right?  I have began eating two protein shakes and one square meal a day.  I have have two dogs, so I am already relatively active and walk for about an hour a day.  I have eliminated alcohol completely, along with sodas and carbonated beverages.  Obesity runs heavily (no pun intended) on both sides of my family.  I am looking for an opportunity to wipe my slate clean and be able to determine my health and future through a lifestyle that is more healthy.

This blog will act as a live journal and documentary for my journey to health and success with VSG.   

 

   Here are some pics from the nasty Barium test.  This is how the doctor can see the shape of the esophagus and stomach for the VSG procedure.  After evaluatiing my images, my doctor found that I have a minor hiatal hernia; which can be fixed with a few stitched when I have the VSG procedure.