BelievinginME

If you're a beginner at weight training and can afford it, definitely get a gym membership and personal trainer. I swear by mine! Also, you can hurt yourself lifting if you're not sure of what you are doing. I promise it's worth it!

Even though my surgiversary is December 20, I consider today my 1 year mark since it was December 4 that I started my preop diet. Hey, 16 days of liquids and leafy greens and 22 pounds lost deserve to be counted! I really don't know where to begin to describe how wonderful this past year has been, but here are some highlights...
My surgical experience at Obesity Control Center in TJ was better than I could have hoped for. It was more of a fun mini-vacation with my sister than anything. Recovery was nearly painless and I have had no reflux, food intolerances or Hair loss. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone there who took such good care of me.
I discovered what a wonderful, supportive community I live and work in. I was very ashamed and angry about letting myself get so fat. But despite the initial embarrassment, I chose to be honest about my surgery and talk about it openly. Turns out that was great therapy. I am now proud of my decision rather than feel it's something I need to hide. Literally hundreds of people know I had WLS....friends, family, clients, fellow beauty shop patrons.... and no one has made me feel bad about it. Nobody treats me any differently and turns out people like and respect me whether I'm fat or thin. Everyone is just happy for me that I feel better, both physically and mentally. I see from a lot of posts that not everyone has such accepting, non-judgemental people in their lives so I am incredibly grateful that I do.
The first first 3-4 months postop were certainly not without struggles.... Feeling bloated and full all the time that first month, Trying to get in all my Protein and Water despite having no appetite, learning how to chew and eat slow, almost 2 months of diarrhea from a C. diff infection from antibiotics for a tooth infection 6 weeks after VSG, being on medications that made me nauseous, getting IV fluids 3 times for dehydration because I couldn't drink enough water with my tiny sleeve, and needing a fecal transplant to finally cure the C. diff. It was at least 4 months before I felt normal, but I never once regretted surgery and would do it all again. Although I wouldn't particularly care to relive the two excruciatingly painful gall bladder attacks I've had....by far the WORST part of this journey.
First NSV....my rings fit! (they have since become too big and I've had to resize them down...even my high school ring)
I learned from these forums that stalls are normal, so I never worried about them. In fact, I never even bothered to buy a scale. NSV's are much more satisfying and mean more than numbers on a scale.
Went from size 22 relaxed/curvy fit jeans to 6 or 7 slims. XXL tops to mediums. Size 44DD to a very saggy 36B (but I still consider this a good thing). I can shop in regular stores and even online because I know the clothes will fit and look good!
I can wear tall boots because they fit over my calves.
I can swing up into my saddle without having to find a log or rock to climb on. Even had to buy a new saddle to fit my new skinny butt. And I have no doubt that my horse is at least as thrilled with my weight loss as I am.
I am saving hundreds of dollars every month on groceries....good thing since I've had to buy a whole new wardrobe.
I can easily cross my legs, kneel, squat and sit "Indian style". I can bound (yes, bound!) up several flights of steps without even breathing hard.
My blood pressure is normal and my PCP is thrilled with my bloodwork. I had my first normal PAP and negative HPV test in 7 years....eating healthy has allowed my immune system to finally clear the virus and abnormal cells from my system.
My feet and ankles and knees haven't hurt in at least 10 months. I'm on my feet all day and went from daily NSAIDS and occasional tramadol to zero of both.
Blew past my surgeon's goal weight at 6 months, passed my personal goal around 7 months and have settled in the middle of a normal BMI range....100 pounds lost forever! More than I ever dreamed possible.
I have maintained within a 5 pound bounce range over the last 3 months with very little effort. Getting enough protein and water, taking my Vitamins, eating a well balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains and limiting white carbs seems to work for me. No counting calories, tracking or measuring. The sleeve does its job of Portion Control and I do my job of making good choices. I live and eat like a normal person and enjoy everything in moderation.
And somewhere along the way I've learned how to deal with life's stresses without turning to food and alcohol. I never thought I could feel this good about myself. I am truly blessed and I sincerely wish everyone as much success, confidence and happiness as I have found. (Sorry this was so long, but I just have so much to be grateful for)
Before/after pictures taken Dec 4, 2013 and 2014. Competitive Trail Ride Event pictures taken September 2013 and 2014.
 

My doctor does 1 week post op followed a visit every 3-4 months for the first year and then once or twice a year after that. I think the first year it is important to go to make sure you're on track and your blood work is okay.

Hi guys, as of yesterday i am 7 months out and have lost 121 lbs. I just entered ONEDERLAND which I have not seen in YEARS!! I weigh less than I did in high school. I walked my first 5k yesterday which was a breeze. I feel amazing and couldn't be happier with my decision to have this surgery. I'd love to lose another 30 but feel great even where I am at right now so whenever my body wants to stop losing is fine with me.
HW: 320
CW: 199
GW: 170
Before:
Now:
(My first pair of jeggings!)

Hi! Here's some motivation for those who have or haven't had the surgery!
  
I'm 6 mo post op
HW: 297
SW: 263
CW: 197
-66lbs since surgery
-100lbs from highest

Before/ during (posted in another thread previously)

So I just wanted to give a 25 day update to help people like myself who almost backed out of surgery. I am feeling pretty good and I am only on the soft food stage of my post op diet. I eat brocolli cheese Soup & yogurt daily along with powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Soup Protein.
I have lost 35lbs. as of today and have dropped from a 54" waist to a 48" waist already. I am a big muscular guy so my weight was 384 at surgery and today 349 and already getting compliments.
The 1st picture was the final straw that made me look into gastric sleeve & the 2nd picture was taking today at work.

I had my surgery on October 31, 2014. My pre op weight was 247. 20lbs away from one of my heaviest weights. The lowest I ever got on my own was 205. I have never been able to get past that number no matter how hard I tried. This morning I weighed in at 210. I have mixed emotions because I'm 5 pounds from my lowest weight and I know that this time there won't be the horrible battle when I get this close to being under 200lbs.  

Those heffas!!!! Anywho... so glad you are not dimming your light. Keep letting your light shine for the world to see. Congrats on your 100 weight loss.

@@KeeWee
The people that can't be supportive say's more about them. You have so much to Celebrate in 2015. Live it up, celebrate and keep you're amazing supportive family close.

I have learned this very hard lesson myself. Sadly it was with two co-workers i thought were my very good friends... turns out i was the only one being a friend. I had no idea that losing weight would cost me friends... CRAZY! But your daughter is so right - dont dim your light!!
It totally sucks & i am not going to lie & say it doesnt hurt... casue there have been many days where i have gone home crying... but i never let them see me down.
Wish you best of luck in your new life!!!

Good grief! Those are some nasty bitches you treated to a lovely party. Pure dee out jealousy is at the core of that evil coven.
You're absolutely right -- ultimately, these changes we work so hard for are for ourselves, not for others.
You're fortunate that your husband is 100% supportive. That's a priceless advantage.

Your old belt now goes 1 1/2 times around your waist.

I was sleeved on May 19, so I'm coming up on week 8. The weight loss is appropriate and gets noticed, which is interesting to watch peoples' faces as they notice the changes but aren't really sure what's up. I don't mind that at all! I do find that since about week 5-6, I literally have to force myself to eat and sometimes I don't do that. I've lost a lot of weight, but I want to do it the right way so I actually need to get the calories up and that in check.

I was sleeved on Cinco de mayo. Down 43lbs. I've not had any issues or side effects. I've been going to the gym a lot. Almost 2 hours four days a week. I try to get between 800 and 1200 calories a day. I have the worst time remembering to drink my water! I try to remind myself and have a Water bottle in my face but sometimes I just forget.

5/27 and Im down 30 from surgery 45 including preop diet. My struggle is that... Sometimes I eat too quickly/ mostly because my job forces us to do so- as a hairstylist in a volume salon breaks r few and far between at times.... So ya chomp down when ya can.. I eat around 600-800 cal a day as well- and weather permitting try to get 2-2.5 miles in. Feeling good no regrets

@njkelly...Sorry your having nausea! Sleeved 5/27 I experience nausea when I eat to fast , so I've slowed down. Tummy has got upset a few times and I just resort back to purée or liquids to calm it down. Find drinking when laying down too can make me nauseated too.. So sip sip during day and walk walk walk!!! Goal 10,000 steps daily. Hang in there!

Sounds like we're all struggling a bit with the changes but the good news is we're all losing which is what we did this for in the first place.
Good luck everyone and keep in touch:)

I still throw up regularly and like you I believe it's because of the pace at which I'm eating. I'm still just trucking along ... almost 2 months out and 35 lbs down. Working really hard to be okay with the weight I've lost. Happy day May surgeries!

Sorry about your issues I hope they get better. I'm doing good so far finally hit my 200 lb mark down from 235:)