HazelMotes

I almost didn't remember, and then at some point today it hit me: It's been two years since I had gastric sleeve surgery. Two years since I woke in post-op, so sleepy and sore and full of hope for a better life. And two years later, as I'm still learning how to be a person who is 147 lbs in this world instead of 264, I hit a new milestone. In Crossfit this morning, during a workout meant for the public at large (read: not just hard-core Crossfit types), I outran a number of people who are considerably younger and fitter than me. It wasn't a competition and by no means do I feel superior, but it was a small personal victory all the same. Because two years ago, I couldn't have run a single 100 meter without getting winded. And just a year and a half ago when I first started Crossfit, I would have walked a good portion of this workout. And here I was, still "overweight" via BMI and in my early 40s, crushing a workout that was challenging to 20-somethings. So cheers to two years out. And to an even better three, and four, and beyond. Let's crush it.

At my last surgeon's appointment two months out from surgery, I asked how much weight they might expect me to lose when I return for my six month post-op appointment at the end of November. The nurse practitioner said she thought I could lose 60 more pounds (over the next four months). At the time that seemed like a lot, and now that I'm well into the timeline and losing an average of 10 pounds/month, it definitely seems unrealistic. I am pretty happy with my weight loss so far; I was 250 the day of surgery, and 4.5 months out, I'm at 185. Realizing that everyone is different, I am curious if 10 pounds/month seems like a reasonable amount to be losing at this point? Thanks so much for your input.

Wow—your weight loss experience is more dramatic than mine, although I share your issue. I started the pre-surgical diet at 264 and just over three months later am now at that much awaited 199 "onederland." And though I do see a difference, in my head I feel just as fat as ever. It's incredibly strange. I have thought that perhaps it's because I haven't lost enough yet to truly feel thinner. But the experience you describe—and the experiences I read from other people—lead me to believe this is a real mental hurdle we must face. I will be interested to read others' thoughts on this issue. But best to you on your amazing weight loss journey.

Hi there, First timer here. I am being sleeved tomorrow morning, and in the meantime am trying to put out various work-related fires to try and buy myself some time off. As a self-employed person, I am curious how long it has taken folks to get back to light work duties—say, checking and responding to emails, maybe taking a few calls? Thanks for your input!