Ann’s Amazing Journey

Title: Ann’s Amazing Journey

Patient: Ann

Age: 49

Height: 5’5”

Highest Weight: 234 lbs.

BMI: 38.9

Current Weight: 201 lbs.

BMI: 33.4

Goal Weight: 160 lbs.

BMI: 26.6

Bariatric Surgery: gastric sleeve

Surgery Date: 12/20/19

Largest Size: 18

Current Size: 14-16

Weight Related Conditions Pre-Op: Knee pain which required injections

Weight Related Conditions Post-Op: Knee pain resolved

Medications: Flexor injection

Life Before Surgery

Ann’s weight problems began due to in vitro fertilization treatments in 2003 when she was first married. Over the course of 12 years, she gained approximately 80 pounds. Weight gain is a common side effect of the treatments from the hormones. During this time period, Ann’s sweet tooth contributed to her weight gain as well.

Ann did attempt to lose her excess weight several times. In addition to taking weight loss pills and seeing various endocrinologists, Ann did Jenny Craig, saw dietitians, drank apple cider vinegar, “practically everything you can imagine,” she says. When Ann did Weight Watchers, she actually gained weight because the program allows dieters to eat simple carbohydrates, which is highly ineffective when trying to lose weight.

Ann even attempted the HCG diet for 30 days. The HCG diet involves placing an HCG tab sublingually daily along with following a restrictive 400 calorie per day diet. The HCG is marketed to suppress your appetite and “guarantees” a 35 pound weight loss in one month. However Ann only lost 18 pounds.

Maintaining physical inactivity was never an obstacle for Ann. She would do various cardiovascular activities such as swimming, using an elliptical, and doing Zumba classes with friends up to six days a week. Even with her diet efforts and physical activity, Ann was never able to lose the weight she gained from in vitro treatments.

Meeting Dr. Sutker

Ann thought about weight loss surgery for several years before visiting Dr. Sutker. Over the years she visited various doctors, however Ann never felt comfortable with them. “I always felt like they were just selling me something and didn’t really care about me,” she explains. Ann was referred to Dr. Sutker by his wife who does medical spa treatments. When asked to describe Dr. Sutker, Ann says he is a warm doctor who demonstrates his thorough knowledge of the surgical procedures in terms she could understand. She felt he was much more genuine than other doctors and felt comfortable working with him. After trying endless methods, Ann decided weight loss surgery was the best option and that as a surgeon, Dr. Sutker was the best choice.

While the majority of weight loss surgery patients may be nervous or anxious before their procedure, Ann was the complete opposite. As she was wheeled into the operating room,

Ann remembers thinking, “I’m taking control of my health.” After the surgery, Ann did not experience pain or have any post-operative issues when she returned home.

Life After Surgery

After Ann’s surgery, she quickly discovered that she becomes full much more quickly, but does not get to the point where she feels sick. Normally, Ann eats around 1,000 calories per day. She eats six small meals a day from getting full so quickly. For those who have recently undergone weight loss surgery, Ann highly recommends using a measuring cup for portion control and to prevent overeating. Covid-19 has made this more challenging for three main reasons: there is extra idle time, and her two children often bring home food from the drive-thru.

Diet:

Breakfast: Premiere protein shake

Snack: Carbmaster Yogurt

Lunch: 100 Calorie bread sandwich with tuna / turkey

Snack: Carbmaster Yogurt

Snack: 1 Slice of american cheese

Dinner: Shrimp or Salmon – or Sashimi

Snack: Sugar-free pudding

Exercise:

Ann is an inspiration for maintaining a varied workout routine, even during Covid! Six days per week, Ann does an exercise class on demand such as Beach Body, barre, or weight lifting. After the class, she walks on the treadmill for 45 minutes.

Words of Wisdom

After undergoing the gastric sleeve with Dr. Sutker, Ann advises not listen to the “horror” stories one may read about the surgery due to her own safe, easy, experience where she was provided all the support necessary to be successful.

Covid-19 and quarantine has been challenging for everyone around the world. Weight loss surgery patients are no exception. However, through Ann’s new habits and experiences, she has been able to prove that weight loss surgery is a safe, effective, long-term solution to weight loss.