Hi. I’m Avadale and I’m proud to have done the gastric sleeve surgery. I started this weightloss journey at my heaviest 291 pounds and was on medication for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, I consulted with Dr. Majid and made a decision that I will follow her guidance and do everything that I needed to do in preparation for this procedure. I had the full support and encouragement of my family and work colleagues who supported and encouraged me. In addition to their support, I had to also adopt a new mindset of thinking about how I would have to eat after the surgery, and with that and the support of the nutritionist, I made the necessary steps to start eating healthier by practicing portion control, eliminating fried foods, carbs, soda, certain fruits, and sugar from my diet. Reading the food labels whenever I went grocery shopping was truly enjoyable. I have also incorporated exercising at least 3-5 times per week (walking, hiking, jogging, Zumba, water aerobics, etc).
Since my surgery, I have lost over 100 pounds. I’m currently weighing 186 pounds, which is 11 pounds from my goal weight. I’m no longer on diabetes medication and my blood pressure medication dosage has been cut in half. I now live a more active and healthier lifestyle and I will do everything I can to ensure that I never revert to the unhealthy habits that I used to have.
