MG1776

Wow, how times have changed. On August 2, 2017 I had my very first appointment with Kaiser to discuss VSG. At the time, I was somewhere around 320 lbs, down 27 lbs from my highest weight of 347. I was a 44/46 waist, 3XL shirt, and moving around was a struggle after a while. Fast forward 12 months later and I am now 180 lbs, wearing a 32 waist, L shirt, and have more energy than I have had in years! I put on shorts that I used to wear and was able to fit my new body into one leg! If I can do it, anyone can. Much of the struggle is mental and requires a lifestyle change. I still enjoy myself, cheat on occassion, have a beer, etc. but I am much more mindful and aware of what goes into my body.

Be careful with advancing to further stages faster than recommended. The Doctors have it this way for a reason. Your new stomach needs time to heal. I would try and stick to plan as much as possible.

atta boy! Feels great! Keep up the good work. That 50 will be off before you know it

During my 6 month post op visit with the surgeon, she discussed my posture and needing to bring my shoulders back, stand taller, etc. Not an easy thing to do as I was so used to the weight pulling me down. Anyone else experience this, if so, what did you do to help your posture?

Thanks for the input @CalGuy64and @Matt Z!

It's a great problem, just need to tone, tighten, and build some bulk (just in the right places this time)!

Can't believe I even said the headline! Crazy to think that 17 months ago I tipped the scale at 347 lbs and now right around 180-182. I don't want to lose anymore weight! I still have a little belly, which may be quite a bit of skin, but there isn't much else to lose, so my focus must be to building muscle and putting on some muscle mass. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated.

I was a size 12 pre-op and now down to a 10.5-11...yes, even your feet will lose fat.

Keep up the great work!

@JerseyJules You are a beast! Keep up the great work and keep the videos comin'!

Here is a before and a current. I'm still early on in my journey, and would like to lose another 40 lbs or so until I hit my "goal weight." My highest was February 2017 at over 327 lbs, and the bottom pictures are of this morning at 226.2 lbs.

@JerseyJulesI love your youtube channel, keep it going!

Hi Kel, Thanks for the message. I am happy to say that I am officially 8 days post op today! I had the VSG done on 10/16 and had a few issues that kept me in the hospital 2 days longer than expected. Even with that, it’s been an amazing adventure thus far. I’m able to get in my fluids and my proteins each day (still on a full liquid diet until Monday), and am moving around pain free. The incision sites are close to healed and I’m almost back to feeling normal. I’ve lost 12 lbs since surgery day and am learning new things and learning the new me every day.

Tomorrow I go in for my labwork and EKG. I'm approaching the final steps of a journey that started 08/02/17. What hasn't been much time, sure seems like it has. When I started, I was doing it to appease my wife, my stepkids, and to give it a chance as numerous other diets and exercise regimens have come and gone. As I went through the process, the classes, support groups, etc. I find myself completely swallowed by the excitement and eagerness to get the surgery done and to get my life back! After every appointment, I'd always ask when the next opening was for the next step in the journey, would accept whatever time given to me, and never cancel or reschedule an appointment. No as I get to the final couple of steps, I'm hounding the bariatric department..."What's next?" "When can I see the nurse?" I'm excited, because at that time, I'll get a surgery date. Unfortunately I have to wait about a week to call the nurse to schedule my next visit, but I'm hoping for a surgery date soon. I'm following the 1200 calorie/day preop diet that was given to me, logging my foods, exercising, and moving around. I've spent countless hours reading blogs, forums, and watching youtube videos (cheers to @fighting400, you've been an inspiration). I just know that soon I'll have my life back. I'll be able to ride the rides, zipline, and participate in the treetop adventure courses my family loves so much. To see their smile as I can finally enjoy activities with them is all the reason I need to make this dream a reality. I'm prepared and ready for any obstacle, I will do this.