MemphisWLS

This is going to be long so if you don’t care about the story part, skip to the bottom for the numbers.
I never thought I would be here, post-op from WLS surgery, especially a surgery that removed most of my stomach but here I am, and I am thrilled to be here.
I grew up in a healthy, athletic family, really athletic, at the Professional level. We had healthy food and some not so healthy comfort food, but always real food in the house. I was always athletic, but slightly overweight growing up. Then in college, I started to yo-yo. My weight would change between 20 and 40 pounds. Then I had a baby, BOOM. I gained 70 pounds with the pregnancy and never lost it. I started working with Tech Startups in the dot com era and we had all the perks. Free food, free alcohol, all day every day. I moved up the ladder and with all the five star hotels came high calorie free meals. Extensive business travel meant eating out 5-6 days a week 3 times a day. On the days at home the eating out continued because I was so exhausted from the work week.
I was healthy with low to normal blood pressure and not diabetic most of this time. I was a healthy fat person for a long time until I wasn’t. I was active. I exercised, I could walk circles around even my thin friends in a mall. Then 10 years ago, diabetes. It was easily managed with pills and diet, so it didn’t create drastic changes. I never took it very seriously because I was never really extreme in my high sugars. Then about 4 years ago it seemed like things took a turn, I could never lose more than 20 or 30 pounds. My ability to exercise and be active seemed to diminish. Carrying all that weight was finally catching up to me and my body was breaking down and suffering. Then last year, high blood pressure came. After taking high blood pressure meds for 2 weeks that made me sleepy and made it almost impossible to run my business. I decided to have WLS.
I had researched and looked at WLS for years. I read WLS forums and talked to people, but always talked myself out of it. I finally decided that even if I died on the table that was better than dying slowly. So I knew I was ready. I went through the process very quickly. Almost not trusting myself to drag it out and I felt a real necessity to get the weight off quickly. I went from my first visit with the surgeon to surgery in 8 weeks. BCBSIL was wonderful and the whole process was fast and easy for insurance approval.
Another deciding factor that WLS would work for me, was because the post-op diet was something I was already familiar with. Low carbing? Sign me up. I had been an avid low carber off and on with varying levels of success for years. I realize now that the reason I was never successful was I gave up in stalls, but with the sleeve there is no giving up during a stall. I have always enjoyed low carbing because for me it makes my mind sharper, it is like doing coke or Adderall (no, I have never done either but I have been told the experience in great detail multiple times from multiple people). I have never viewed it as a punishment but a perk.
My issue prior to surgery has always been Portion Control. I skipped meals, focused on work and then would be ravenously hungry, and consume a whole days plus worth of calories all at once, or maybe in 2 meals. Even low carbing and eating healthy I would eat huge amounts. A 12 to 16 ounce ribeye is 900-1300 calories.
I was lucky to have an uneventful, rapid and easy recovery. I had very little pain, went back to work as soon as I came home (I work for myself), and stopped taking the pain meds within 36 hours of surgery. I met my Protein goals after the 2nd day. I eat all of the foods I enjoy, just in small quantities. I was lucky in the sense I never ate or liked a lot of the things that people have issues with giving up post-op. So I don’t have issues with avoiding them. I gave up sugar years ago to try and control my diabetes. I gave up alcohol for the same reason. I was already years out from either of these things when I had surgery so I didn’t have to give them up post-op.
Okay that is by backstory and how I got to the point surgery and why I felt it would work for me. This is where I am now.
Numbers
The weight I have on here is the weight when I first went to the Dr. It is not my actual highest weight.
HW 377
SW 358
CW 231
Total weight lost 146, 134 since first surgeon visit, and 127 since surgery.
Inches lost
Measurements in Inches
Bust (fullest part of bust):
20
Pecs (just above the bust line):
15
Ribs (top of rib cage just below the bust) :
21
Waist:
25.5
Abdomen:
22
Hips:
17
Right Upper Thigh:
8.5
Right Lower Thigh:
9.5
Left Upper Thigh:
8
Left Lower Thigh:
10.5
Right Calf:
2
Left Calf:
2.25
Right Upper Arm:
6
Left Upper Arm:
5.5
Total 172.75
I wore a tight size US Womens size 28 plus and a comfortable size US Womens size 30 plus. Now I wear a Misses 14/16 I am almost to a 12.
I have boundless energy to match my personality. I am so active in my everyday life in big and small ways. I don’t hurt all over anymore at the end of the day like I did before. I thought that was natural, because I had been so heavy for so long, I didn’t think there was a different way to feel, I thought that was norm. Now I know the difference. I feel like I have taken 20 years off my age.
So that is my story, if you read it all, thanks. I hope it can help someone. Obviously I am still not done. I need to lose at least another 50 pounds and once I get there I am going to evaluate and see if I want to lose another 20 or 30. I never thought that would be an option, to get my weight that low, but I think now it is a possibility.

My surgery was Feb 28 and, having followed all of the rules, my weight loss has been disappointing. I also find that I am not voiding as often as I would have with all of my fluids, pre-surgery. So, yesterday at my follow up visit with my GP, I finally got some encouragement. Here's what she said. "You are still in protection mode with your body. It
does not know that you did this on purpose. Your body will hold onto everything it can until it knows it's okay to let go". What a tremendous help that simple statement turned out to be. So now I'm continuing with the plan for Week Two and relaxing. Hope this helps

Short list of things that control ones weight loss in addition to calorie control. (Ultimately our surgeries only limit quantity of food or calorie intake when we let it.)


Endocrine system,
hormone balance,
insulin resistance,
base metabolism rate,
exercise,
sleep,
genetics (on how well we convert food to fat),
food choices (balance of macro nutrients, and does our eating create an insulin response. Body does not burn fat whe insulin is present.)
Age in relation to metabolism and propensity for the systems in our body out of balance or damaged to return to normal.
Muscle mass - also age related to gain, also effects metabolism and rate of resting fat burn.
Stress - a stressed body secretes hormones which impedes weight loss.

So for all of us comparing our weight loss to others based off of time from surgery, we are most certainly going to be disappointed and grossly inaccurate in our assumptions of why we are failing or even winning.

For us to properly compare, we would need medical and genetic records with their daily activity, food, stress, and sleep.< br>
What I must repeatedly tell myself that always works, "if I stay on plan, the weight will come off, for the short term and long term.
I must focus running my own race with my body, not their race with theirs."


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Everyone is different. My professional nut has told me that it is fine for me to not track my food. She advocates learning your own internal queues and making educated choices. Tracking is a tool and sure you can use it if you need or want to, but I think sometimes you don't need or want to or it is more of a hindrance than a help. Find what works for you. Know that you have choices.

11 months out and I don't track foods. I do stay away from processed sugar and carbs and do full fat, mostly olive oil. While I recognize the benefits of tracking. The reasons that I don't are because I make up my own foods. A large bowl of mixed steamed veggies and a Protein with seeds. Or a salad with a protein. I love veggies, just make sure I have protein too. and it is a pain and time consuming to weigh each item I put in the bowl and I know these are low calorie foods. I have tracked my food prior to surgery and was somewhat successful for a few months, until I regained all my weight then some. I would however like an app that allows me to add my homemade recipes and portion sizes so I can label my pre made frozen meals maybe once a week. That is on my list of things to do. I sort of take the approach that I'm not in a loosing phase that will convert to maintenance. It's more like I just focus on eating as healthy as I can without overeating and the rest will take care of itself. Practice, practice, practice.

I didn't think that the people that were banned were bad apples. In fact the people that I have seen be the rudest and most belittling are still here. There are very few vets left here, most have all moved on to Obesity help after the mass banning that was made out to be about bullying. The facts never added up, half the people that were banned were banned just because they expressed their opinion about the issue and that did not agree with Alex's opinion so they were banned too. This site has turned into a place just for newbies, the blind leading the blind. All the good truly helpful vets are now at Obesity Help happily having real discussions without being called a bully for it. They seem to have a much more mature crowd over there that doesn't see honest advice as bullying. I admit I only popped in today to read some of the ridiculous advice that is being handed out and got a good chuckle from it. BariatricPal already had a bad reputation at my surgeons office, now they advise their patients to avoid it because I showed my surgeon some of the newbie advice being handed around here. If there are vets left here then you would think they would chime in and correct some of the stuff being said, but sadly they are probably afraid they will get called a bully and be banned. I seem to be the only one voicing my opinion that he has not banned, which will probably happen soon because again I voiced my opinion. But then again I did place a pretty susbtantial order from the site before my surgery so maybe he hasn't banned me yet because I'm a customer

This was what was written and it was directed towards pre-op patients who are new and just needed to understand what could possibly happen and things that may help. Literally just the bare basics. (At the class, i actually did bring in tools like portion containers, shaker cups etc to clarify the visual part of the comment.
It was so great to meet so many of you guys at wednesday's pre-op diet class. I met so many amazing people, and i know that all of you be successful with your journey. I got so many questions and we ran out of time. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions or if you need additional support. I'm glad to help.
Just to recap for those who came, these were some of my key take aways for optimal success.
1. Realize that the signs of fullness are not at all what you're used to feeling prior to surgery. Everyone is different. Some people might hiccup, some might burp, some might feel like food is stuck, some people have runny noses. When any of these symptoms occur, stop eating immediately. You ARE full.
2. Pace yourself because eating to quickly can also cause many of those same symptoms. ( some people use baby spoons to help with that)
3. Visually understand how much food your new tummy will be able to take in at one sitting. Invest in small 4oz plastic containers to portion out your meals. And make that switch over from dinner size plates to appetizer sized plates and bowls. It is ok if you don't finish all of that and remember to go slow to avoid having food get stuck.
4. Conquer the emotional aspect of this process. Remember that all of the changes you're experiencing will get better in time. This whole entire process is all about mind over matter. Add additional support to your daily life. Follow up with Dr. Shauna Moore-Reynolds if you need to. Always focus on how far you've come, not how much further you need to go. Weight loss (even without surgery is not linear) you will get your goal at your own pace, so relax and enjoy it. There will be times where you may feel like you aren't losing weight, that time will pass. Don't give up. The weight will continue to fall off.
5. Invest in your tools for success. Get your stay cool Water bottles, or shaker cups, baby spoons, meal prep containers, slow cookers/ pressure cookers, air fryers, blender, lunch box, gym bag, shakes, supplement container, AND FOOD JOURNAL. (Whatever you need in order to stay on track and make life easy.)
6. Listen your body. There might be certain foods that no longer agree with you, sometimes it's temporary, sometimes it's permanent. Just avoid that food for the time being. It will get easier as time goes on. With these appetite changes you may discover new foods that you like. You may like certain foods and shakes now and hate the post surgery. It happens to all of us.
6. Start cooking all of your meals and plan ahead. I never worry about what i can't eat because i'm always eating delicious food, just made by me and made healthier. Learn to make your favorite take out meals. Use substitutions like greek yogurt, cauliflower rice, spaghetti squash etc., make sure that your pantry is full of all your favorite seasonings and sauces so you don't have to eat bland food.(Send me a message and i can share recipes)
7. Get used to shakes and water- it will be a huge part of the rest of your new life. Adjust the temp or stand up when drinking if you need to.
8. Try to avoid as much processed food as possible- avoid the frozen food isle at the grocery store (EXCEPT FOR FROZEN VEGGIES) and avoid the snack isle.
9. Read your labels because not all "healthy" food was created equal.
10. Stay off the scale. Don't stress over numbers. Take your initial measurements of various parts of your body. Take before and after selfies as motivation. Only weigh yourself either every two weeks or every month to avoid added stress. Remember it's about being healthier not about being a particular size or weight.
11. Avoid negative energy. We all have Debbie downer friends, we all have other overweight friends that aren't changing their lifestyles. Distance yourself from them and re-focus your energy.
12. Make your workouts fun. I personally refuse to do anything that i don't want to do, that's just me. So with that said, i will never be a marathon runner. But find things that you do like. Go for a walk on your lunch break, try swimming or tennis, or zumba, get a few workout buddies. Go at your own pace. Whatever your fitness level is at day 1, will not be where you are even a month later. Just keep going. Workouts definitely get easier with time because your body will adjust.
13. Encourage your family to eat healthy with you so you don't feel left out and temptations are left at the door.
14. Utilize other bariatric websites for your staple foods and shakes. Try bariatric pantry, Bariatric Choice, Bariatric Advantage, Amazon and bariatric food source. They sell tons of approved Protein drinks, shakes, Meal Replacement bars even Snacks.
15. If you experience pain or other health issues talk to your doctor about foods that fight inflammation like turmeric, garlic, green tea, and fish oil/ krill oil or anything with Omega 3.
SURGERY DAY AND POST OP RECOVERY:
What does surgery day feel like?
you will definitely be tired, and you will have lots of gas pain (it's more so annoying that painful), you will have absolutely no appetite what so ever and you will have to take baby sips of Water. Walk every hour like the dr. Says, it really will speed up your recovery time.
When you are able to do full liquids (you still won't have an appetite) but try wonton Soup without the wontons (just clear broth), low sugar keifer (it's high in Protein and probiotics) and sugar free popsicles to help with your hydration. Some people find RTD shakes easier during recovery. Most people (depending on your procedure) take anywhere from 5 days- two weeks before they feel good enough to go back to work. While your recovering go to wegmans or Walmart and walk around.
I hope this helps. Ignore anything that doesn't work for you.
Best Regards,
Jodi Wright
(202)812-8094
Jodiawright@gmail.com
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I am so proud to say that I am now 3 months post op. I ventured into this foreign land called the gastric sleeve on Dec 5, 2016. I was nervous yet ready to have a new beginning in life. A healthier life that was more fulfilling without illnesses and aches all the time. Well, this 3 months has been a true roller coaster but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I started my journey out at 242 lbs pre- op. On the day of my surgery I was down to 219 lbs with the help of my dietician( I was very serious about my dietician's recommendations on diet changes ). When I awoke from surgery, I was so confused and in so much pain . I immediately regretted surgery,, lol. But after a couple of days I started to embrace my new lifestyle. I am 3 months out and today I am 176 lbs.....yayyy. Double screen pic was right after surgery and then 1 month after surgery and pics in white are most recent.

My goal weight was 165, which is actually 10 pounds "overweight" by the BMI charts. The lowest I got was 153, but that was definitely too thin for me. 165 is my happy space.
To the OP, here are some pics for you. My highest weight was 270, my weight in the "after" photos was around goal of 165. I am 5'6" tall.

My starting weight was 294. I am now 116. I NEVER thought I would be a 39 year old mom that can wear a size 0. I didn't seek that out as a goal, it just happened. My doctor gave me the goal of 135-145. I hit the top end of the goal in 9 months. It took about 3 months to lose the other 10 pounds. I started training for my first half marathon in July of last year and got down to 121 then. Even though I stayed the same weight, during that time I went from a size 6 to a size 2. I lost more weight after stopping birth control.
With all that said....how you look after is based on so many different factors. I lost 178 pounds, but have minimal excess skin. I know others that have lost 80 pounds and have LOTS of excess skin. I give credit to my workout regime in part. You cannot just do cardio, you must do weight training.
The hair loss. I experienced that starting the 3rd month through about the 9th month. It was minimal though. I have PCOS and experienced much worse before the surgery. I have been committed to getting my Protein and taking my Vitamins.
I agree with the others. Looking a certain way is still healthier than being obese or morbidly obese in my case.

You don't have to be rude I wasn't rude
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Comparing yourself to other people doesn't help. Everyone has different start weights and biology that is going to affect how they are losing.
It is better to look at how you are eating. Are you tracking all of your food? Are you weighing/measuring all your portions? What are your macros? Protein grams? Carb grams? That is the stuff that is going to determine how fast you are losing weight.
I lost 66 pounds in my first 4 months. I also started with a BMI of 60. If you start with a lower BMI you are going to lose less.
No one in the world is going to think 10 pounds a month is slow weight loss. People are grossly unrealistic about how fast you lose weight post op with WLS.

So you were able to eat puréed food the day after surgery?
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The three week stall is infamous! It sucks but you'll get through it. There are lots of good reasons why it's happening and none of them have to do with anything you're doing, so keep following your program, trust the process, etc.

This article was immensely helpful to me.

I like that....slap Cookies out of her hand. I would recommend she get WLS and a good psychologist. She has a lot of food issues lolllll. Had my surgery on 2/1 and I know this is going to be a "one day at a time" journey. Good luck everyone.


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I found that laying down right after eating is what causes it for me. Best is to remain vertical.

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I like that....slap Cookies out of her hand. I would recommend she get WLS and a good psychologist. She has a lot of food issues lolllll. Had my surgery on 2/1 and I know this is going to be a "one day at a time" journey. Good luck everyone.


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Oprah has enough money where she can pay somebody to follow her around all day long and slap Cookies out of her hand. Oprah is not a real life example to compare to. If anything she proves that dieting does not work for everyone as she has yo-yo'd all her life.
I'm not quite 2 1/2 weeks post-op and I second guess myself at times, but I also know that I was out of options. I'm sure there will be times I still question it a year from now or even 5 years from now.

Oprah lies!!!!!!! She has a personal chef, a personal trainer and still after all these years she battles weight!! She says "I eat bread everyday!" Well did you maybe think she eat a bite of bread not the whole loaf???? Besides she bought stock in weigh watcher's and I guarantee she will put that 40lbs back on as 80!!
Here is something that might help in your food addiction. Look for the movie called "Hungry for Change". It is on Netflix. Also after you watch it start watching other types of films like it. It will help to change your perspective on the food that you are craving. And if you can change the way you see that food, you can change the addiction. I know it's hard, but watch the movies and they will help.good luck and I am sending you good positive energy !! Huggsss!!

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Surprising I'm in a good amount of pain. I didn't expect it to end as bad being that I had a c section & I healed quick & easy but this is taking a toll on me mentally. Very sluggish, nauseous, irritable & sore. Trying to drink but eat the broth & Jello but I get so full real quick & most of the time I don't feel hungry. This is a major adjustment [emoji21]


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I feel ya!!! I so do!!! My boss asked me if I wanted carry out today. The receptionist asked me if if I was "hangry". These fools do not understand how close they came to bodily harm. Just kidding but WOW people just really don't get it. This is HARD.
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Nine weeks post op
HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

Beautiful post. I am saving it for the future. Thank you!!
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Beautiful post. I am saving it for the future. Thank you!!
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You don't have anything to be embarrassed about. Things happen. I get it's a huge letdown, but quitting seems counterintuitive to why you were going through all this in the first place. You're entitled to feel discouraged, but you're going to need to brush yourself off and keep moving forward. You can lose that 50 pounds! Try to think of it as a delay rather than an end.
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