lacyms

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.
 

I am living proof that VSG is a miracle! Wherever you are on your journey don't lose hope. You will one day be posting pics just like mine. Now for the pics - First of course is my before pic - 377 pounds of misery.


180 pounds strong and fit - ready to take on my first 5k.

Thats me on the top - at 377 pounds definitely would not have made it.

Finished the 5k - got the medal - and added my first 5k to my bucket list. Looking forward to many future adventures in life with my new healthy body!

I am so so happy I hit onederland this morning plus totaled up to 80lbs weight loss this year!
This time last year I was just considering bariatric surgery! I made an appt to see the surgeon and I was crazy mad that I couldn't get an appointment until January 22nd!
I don't think I ever thought that I would ever see under 200lbs ever again!
Yesterday I saw people I hadn't seen all year and the compliments were flying all over the place.
I will try and get some before and now photos, I can't say after because that will not be yet
For those of you in doubt! Go for it!
This surgery has changed my life!!

Non scale Victory

My favorite one to date has got to be fitting in the booth at our favorite Mexican restaurant without having to move the table closer to my son. Plus, having lots of room between my belly and the table.
The others:
Seeing all the bones in my feet and ankles
Having just 1 chin
My son wrapping his arms around me and getting excited that he can clasp his hands for a "real hug".
All of my rings and bracelets being too big
Buying regular sized clothes from Old Navy
Having my dermatologist not even recognize me until she read my chart, that was an amazing feeling.

heres mine me at my biggest of 425lbs, then a the full body was oct of 2013 and the head shot was new years eve

Before/ during (posted in another thread previously)

When you realize you do not have to buy clothes in the "plus size" stores Officially a size 14! Woop Woop!

You can ride all the rides at Busch Gardens, Disney, and other amusements parks...especially all the roller coasters!

A woman came into our office. She went over to my co-worker and said. "I see you have a new girl here"
She laughed and said. "No that's Jaci, she lost a lot of weight". The woman didn't believe her. Lol. I've worked there for almost 14 years. The woman was embarrassed and said it was that my hair looked different. My hair was in a ponytail, which it often is. This honestly made my day.

You can answer, "Either is fine with me.", when asked, "Would you like a table or a booth?"

5 days post-op and today has been the worst. Im pretty sure I have cried all day. I'm moody and not interested in drinking anything today. I also have been off of my anxiety medications since the day before surgery. It has been a real rollercoaster. Signing up here and knowing I'm not alone has been a great deal of help. I told myself to stay busy or watch Netflix. Either way...this will pass.

Lacyms hi I'm still pre op so I haven't had this experience yet but wanted to show some support I'm sure all of us are going to have some emotional days during this process after all it's a major life change and huge overhaul so to speak of our body's and if u are not on medications you were used to that probly contributes to what your going thru everyone here always says it gets better everyday so hold on to that and u can always vent here ! Hope u feel better

5 days post-op and today has been the worst. Im pretty sure I have cried all day. I'm moody and not interested in drinking anything today. I also have been off of my anxiety medications since the day before surgery. It has been a real rollercoaster. Signing up here and knowing I'm not alone has been a great deal of help. I told myself to stay busy or watch Netflix. Either way...this will pass.

5 days post-op and today has been the worst. Im pretty sure I have cried all day. I'm moody and not interested in drinking anything today. I also have been off of my anxiety medications since the day before surgery. It has been a real rollercoaster. Signing up here and knowing I'm not alone has been a great deal of help. I told myself to stay busy or watch Netflix. Either way...this will pass.