Chelenka

You are gorgeous!

Wow! If you hadn't posted these pics of yourself I wouldn't have know the before and after were of the same person! You look five years younger too! Congrats and go on and keep being proud! You look great!

I had my surgery on February 28th so I'm four weeks out today and down 35 lbs which includes the pre-surgery diet phase. I'm beginning to be able to eat more real food but going very slowly and carefully. I have been obese my entire life. Seriously, I think I was born fat! No one else in my family has a weight problem so I guess all the fat genes glommed onto me. I am finding that so much of this journey is more about my mind and the emotional aspects of food and eating than the actual weight loss. I am in mourning in a way for all the food, that was such a source of comfort but also guilt and pain. In a way it still doesn't seem real that I made this choice, carried it out and am starting my life anew. I am constantly amazed at myself that I had the courage to go through with the surgery and that I am now able to function on such a small amount of food! I probably eat about 800-1000 calories a day and I'm quite tall 6'1". I was eating about 2200-2700 calories a day prior to surgery. I am so grateful to have found this forum. It has been a real God send! Blessings to all!

Hi CharlaMae: Dr.Trang was my surgeon! He is a wonderful Dr. Overall my experience there was excellent. The team and staff are all great and the nurses were all wonderful to me. My recovery has been going very well, I've had no complications. The first two days after the surgery were not pleasant because I had a lot of nausea but I really had very little post-op pain, mostly my stomach muscles were sore where they make the incisions. Now, almost 4 weeks out my energy level is still a bit low and I'm not quite ready to start working out but have been walking in my neighborhood as much as possible. I've also had some issues with constipation but this forum has really helped me to find solutions. I wish you all the best with your surgery. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing.

Hi all: I am almost 4 weeks post-op and am struggling with a lack of energy, getting easily winded and very low stamina. I used to work out before my surgery and could do 35 minutes on the elliptical and some weight machines. I've taken a few walks but I feel so breathless, especially when I first start. It seems to get a little easier after about 10 minutes but I'm not breaking any land-speed records. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I'm a bit concerned. Thanks!

I can understand that working at Starbucks would be torture! Love Starbucks! But you've lost 26 lbs already! That's fantastic and you've worked hard for it. I think you should talk with your husband about stepping up to the plate (pardon the pun) and doing some of the meal preparation. Ask him to keep pizza and other trigger foods out of the house for the time being. My husband actually brought pizza slices into my hospital room the day after my surgery! He was clueless! I had to set him strait and asked him not to bring pizza anywhere near me. If he wants it he has to go out for it and stay out! Ha! As for your little boy, he may be just in the terrible twos but also is probably sensing your stress and anxiety. What you are embarking on takes great determination and courage and you are not able to use your coping mechanism, food. I was a basket case the first week of my pre-op diet as I detoxed from all the sugar I had been eating and the first week post-op on clear liquids was also very hard for me. Once I got thru that things have been easier. I wish you all the best for your journey. Hang in there and try to get some quiet time for self-reflection and meditation or prayer.

I had my surgery at the new Einstein Montgomery Hospital on Germantown Pike in East Norriton. Chose this hospital partly because it is near my home but also the Surgeons are top notch. They are coming from the Elkins Park Hospital which is a bariatric center of excellence. A friend of mine had the Sleeve surgery at Jefferson last June and she is doing fantastic.

Had my surgery on Feb 28. Also in the Philly area. The first 2 days post-op were rough for me with a lot of nausea from my reaction to the anesthesia and pain meds. However by day 3 I was a feeling a lot better. Now three weeks out I feel pretty good. I've lost 32 lbs since January 1st so very happy about that! I am starting to eat a little bit of real food slowly and cautiously. I've been having some issues with constipation but got a lot of helpful info here. It takes courage to make this choice. All the best to you!