The Candidate

I hope you dance by Lee Ann Womack Because I'm slowly breaking out of a shell created by decades of low self esteem, due to my weight. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I understand your reaction and underlying fears. We've all gone through it. The first couple of months you feel lost and might even have entertained second thoughts. I kept a personal video journal starting a year before my surgery, and all the way through until I reached goal. I go back sometimes and watch it and I definitely had moments just like yours. So don't feel alone. Unfortunately the weight doesn't come off in a linear fashion. Sometimes you're up and sometimes you're down. Sometimes you stay at the exact same weight for weeks on end. But if you're doing everything you're supposed to do the weight will eventually come off... in its own good time, so don't make the mistake of comparing your stats to someone else. Your body is adjusting to what amounts to major trauma. It's going to halt your progress now and again to reevaluate what the heck is going on. It's getting conflicting signals, one telling it to lose weight, and another more primal urge to hang onto the weight for optimal survival. In the meantime, you're just going to have to develop some patience. Put the scale away if it's causing you added stress. Hopefully you took before pictures and measurements, because if you compare them to where you are now you might notice progress there that isn't evident in the scale numbers. Hang in there and have faith. Best of luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats on your surgery and speedy recovery! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats! I'm so happy for you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm 14 months out and at goal. The difference in food came pretty much immediately. My hunger was nonexistent at the beginning. It doesn't last forever, but it helps you to make lasting changes in your eating habits. A lot of the cravings were still there, but the longer I went without them the easier it became. Another asset was finally feeling the full sensation. I never felt full prior to surgery. This didn't happen right away, but I can still feel the restriction even this far out. Although I can definitely eat more. As far as noticing the weight loss, I still have trouble seeing it myself. Mentally I know it, by the numbers on the scale and smaller clothing sizes, but it's like there's a disconnect with my eyes. This doesn't happen to everyone though. I took a full six weeks off and when I went back to work everyone noticed the difference already, and that blew me away. Just take things one day at a time and before you know it a year has passed, you'll be surprised at how fast it goes. Best of luck and congrats! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So great to hear your surgery went so well. Congrats! You have a wonderful healthy life to look forward to now! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Welcome! You've come to the right place. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That is absolutely incredible! What a milestone you have reached. You are amazing! Congratulations!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was also on liquids at that point. And over the next couple of weeks my entire food catalog consisted of sugar free Jello and sugar free Popsicles, broth, and Protein shakes, and Water. It wasn't hard because I had no appetite. Congrats on your surgery! It gets better day by day. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats on your recent surgery. Don't worry too much that you might not have all the answers. I did research overload and still felt overwhelmed. My advice would be to slow down, and listen to your body. Don't be timid about putting yourself first over the next weeks. It's a lot to get used to, pretty much a whole new way of life. Take it one day at a time and don't get lost in comparing your results to someone else. Your body will proceed at the speed that is right for you and you alone. Best wishes! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You look great! Congrats! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow! You don't even look like the same person! Lovely! Congrats! (Love the lighthouse). Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There are trade-offs in things that you will no longer have to buy. So it won't strictly be a financial add-on to your existing budget in all cases. You won't need the Protein shakes in the same quantity that you do as a new post op. Once you transition back into real food, the goal is to get most of your protein from that source. As far as replacing your wardrobe, I wouldn't invest a lot of money in that area until you've lost all your weight. You'll be going through a lot of sizes very quickly. In the meantime, there's always belts and suspenders to cinch them up, along with thrift stores and Goodwill. Best of luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was the same way. In fact I kept coming up with new and unique reasons in my head that I could be denied. I pretty much drove myself crazy. But then it came, the approval notification and I was in seventh heaven... for maybe 15 minutes. And then I started worrying about not getting a surgery date. Worrying is part of the process, but try to focus on how great your life is going to be afterwards. That's much more fun! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That kind of news is a wonderful way to start the week! Being nervous is perfectly normal. But in the long run you're doing what you have to do in order to be there for your kids long term. Congrats! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You look amazing! What an incredible night that must have been. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

They always come around way too fast. ????

Don't go too overboard with stocking up. It's very common for your tastes to change after surgery. For example, I stocked up on Isopure, which isn't cheap, and then hated it as a post op. I ended up getting rid of a lot of stuff. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery! ????

That was a great summation of your WLS experience. So happy to hear you came through with flying colors. It's just going to get better and better!

It looks delicious. Yum!

Welcome home! I'm glad to hear all went well. Don't overdo the first couple of weeks, especially considering the multiple surgeries. Get some rest!

Wow! You look so beautiful! I'm so proud of how far you've come, and in only six months! You are a wonderful role model. You are the best! Congrats!

It's definitely hard, but the more changes you make now as a pre op, the easier it will be for you as a post op. Best of luck!

You look so so amazing! Congrats!!

It's very normal to be nervous, especially in the last few days leading up to surgery. Try your best to relax and mentally prepare for the wonderful new chapter opening in your life. Congrats!