Life after sleeve gastrectomy | UCLA Bariatric Surgery

A life long struggle with obesity ends in success for patients undergoing minimally invasive bariatric surgery at UCLA.

Hear their stories following the gastric sleeve procedure and watch as they reclaim their lives.

[theamadorview]

"I didnt feel as important as I should have been to the rest of the world." Very true words. Only people who have experienced obesity can relate to this statement. This is something not talked about enough. Nobody wants to be a victim, which is why we dont talk about it. But, being overweight makes you invisible to your co-workers, boss, investors, etc.

[anonymousdevildog]

I watched this video nearly a year ago and found it to be an inspiration. Here I am 10 months later after VSG and 150lbs less. Men need to consider this.

[kjlv]

I had Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery 7 months ago and I feel like a million dollars. I was 265 1 year ago and 236 the day of surgery. I weigh 165 today, I'm only 5'6" tall. I can't believe how easy it was and very little pain. I didn't even need the pain pills once I got home. My advice for anyone having this procedure is drink a few protein drinks about 1 month prior to your 1 or 2 week liquid diet, it will make the liquid diet an easier transition. Good luck

[sergiom]

As of right now, im in the hospital recovering from the surgery, its my 3rd day of recovery. It is hard but looking at this makes me have hope

[mesutdemirci]

This video has motivated me to look into the procedure. I've been obese my whole life. I'm 26 years old, last time I went to my home country of Turkey was 10 years ago.I never wanted to go back. I felt like an embarrassment to my parents as I was the biggest one everywhere and I just felt the sorrow in people. When they ask why I haven't gone back my excuse is always work or school. It sucks because I cried when I left because I probably had one of the best times in my life being around my whole family. I've accepted myself in the States but there's so much in this world I want to do and discover. Plane rides suck because I always keep myself awake dur to not wanting to bother anyone with my sleep apnea and also the seats arent that accommodating for people of my size. Being 6'3 and 400 pounds, you're really limited to what you can do. Thank you for the inspirational video and best of luck to you in the future.

[NoobAmerican]

"I fit in airplane seat". This has never been truer to me. I just had the surgery 3 days ago and one of the main things I was saying as a motive: I want to once, in my life, sit in airplane seat without asking for the seat belt extension.

[mikesaintjulesmusic]

I'm about to start the Journey. These videos motivate me. 2:30 - one of my first wake up calls to the change.

[Laoriginal]

Even when he was over weight he had a very kind face. He looks like such a sweet person.

[Emily-hnk]

I am so afraid, but ready and excited. I am 31 and almost 400 pounds. I have done every diet known to man. I have lost some weight, but just put it back on and I gave up. I just seen my surgeon yesterday and I am getting the sleeve done. I have 3 kids, but it is hard for me to do fun things with them. If I don't get this surgery I will end up dying of obesity. I REFUSE!! I look forward to being able to ride roller coasters with my kids again. Going on hikes, which I try to do now. But a question for all of you is... has anyone been a previous smoker? I have been for 23 years. Yes, I started as a kid. That is what worries me the most. I am quitting, you have to for the surgery. I am afraid and want to change so I don't leave my kids at an early age, I just hope it is not to late. I lost my dad to cancer and it runs in my family. But this is best for me. I can't breath, I'm always tired. I can't do fun stuff with my kids and I am so depressed because I hate myself for being fat and a smoker. But I pray this changes it all. So if you pray, please keep me in your prayers.

[sylvie]

I'll have this type of surgery too, and I love watching these videos before this happens, it helps me a lot.

[hazeblank]

im doing all my appts to gain clearances right now i just turned 29 im 355 6'2 i am excited to try and lead a different lifestyle

[unchargedpickles]

I am finishing up my 5 pre-op to dos and my VSG is in 3 weeks! Go us!

[Offthegridfishing]

I’m about to do mine in 2 months I am very excited for my transformation

[AmarNath-mxbn]

Obesity dosent kill u, it dosent let u live either.. thanks to such procedures day can help u live better.

[PRINCESS]

Got VSG surgery two months ago...Down 50 pounds 😊😊🎉🎊🎊 it’s all about health 😊

[dunrob]

How long ago was your surgery and how are you doing now, good job

[TacocaT]

Getting this done 02/04/2020. Got all the VLCD shakes and stuff to start 6 weeks prior to the surgery date, Doctor wants me to lose 10-15kg before the date. I am like 205kg. When I first saw him he bluntly told me that I will "never be skinny"... As I am quite tall and muscular. I suppose he is just making sure I have realistic expectations. I realise that this will not be an easy road the next 4 and a half months, but I need it or else I am gonna die very young (25 ATM). Just need to save $1250 for the excess and out of pocket from my private health insurance - best price in Australia!! Family members have had similar surgeries and have paid over $10000 out of pocket. Counting down the days now! Any tips and advice, greatly appreciated! <3

[DavidBig]

Hey congrats on your Journey I’m striving to make this work for me as well need too figure out how to work on sagging skin.

[nonazolfakar]

Good work.im from Egypt im fat 100 kg and short i search about people who did this operation for advice .im afraid from it.iask why we take vitimins long time .? Why we became weak ? . are we returN back in weigh after many years??

[lucyha]

I have my surgery scheduled on sep/29th/21 these videos are inspiring