Misha H

I am officially one year out today -- had my surgery 11/14. On the day of surgery, I had lost 25 pounds to get from 317 to 292, and was incredibly proud of myself.
Today I'm 181. I am 14 pounds from goal at a year out. In the last month I lost 5 so -- soon maybe ?? Definitely by 18 months if nothing else.
I did a bunch of progress shots at 6 months, figure I'd add to them today!

First pick is at my heaviest; second pic is xmas day 2016, so about a year ago; third from 6 months out and the last, of course, is today!

First pic here is about 1 week post op -- I was so proud of how much I'd lost, jeeeeeez!! Second picture is around January, I think, then march, and then today, again!
This one is painful.

I took the picture on the right the day before surgery...looking back at it now, I don't even recognize myself!

My face from my 10 year college reunion at my heaviest, and then again, today (I don't recognize myself in EITHER of these pictures, and it freaks me out just a little.
Finally, for fun, a big change -- I picked up a tennis racket again this fall. And now it's too cold to play and I'm mad, because I want to SO VERY MUCH.

I'll have to see if there are any cheap indoor courts...
Other awesome moments in my recent life:
> seatbelts fit comfortably on airplanes
> I can cross my legs to sit comfortably in any situation
> didn't have to worry AT ALL about my size when going on rollercoasters at Hersheypark
> I haven't had a clumsy fall down in months, despite an incredible amount of increased activity
> SIZE 10-12 FROM A SIZE 24, I CAN FIT IN STRAIGHT SIZES!! went shopping at H&M and other places and realized how cheap clothes can be....
> went from fattest friend in the group to...potentially....the thinnest..........???
14 more pounds to normal BMI, and that's what I really want more than anything else.

Good girl. What I don't like is that many of those superstars actually never tell the truth about the surgery and mainly insisting that they reshaped their bodies through gym and self-control. I really hope people would understand one day, that the surgery is not a "cheating" or the lack of willpower, but the most radical and ultimate measure. We actually gave up what others won't ever be able to - food! ))

I am scheduled for surgery on the 17th of November. After being scheduled week before last, it didn't seem real to me, but I have my pre-op appointment on Wed & it's starting to hit me... everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited... well, yes, a little... but I'm having major surgery & I asked for it! (Am I crazy?!?)
Anyone out there who can perhaps give me some advice & maybe calm my nerves down a bit?
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I had VSG done 10/16. My SW was 283.1 and yesterday I weighed at 266.6. I’ve been getting my fluids and Protein daily, and moving around as much as possible. Finally feeling normal with no head fog, etc. incision sites are almost healing, the larger one has a bit to go, and still some bruising, but can sleep on my sides and almost my stomach. Just trying to find some variety of full liquids between yogurt, Soups, shakes, etc. You guys will do amazing, just stick the course. Walk as much as you can post op, but also listen to your body. Hydration is key.

I am scheduled for surgery on the 17th of November. After being scheduled week before last, it didn't seem real to me, but I have my pre-op appointment on Wed & it's starting to hit me... everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited... well, yes, a little... but I'm having major surgery & I asked for it! (Am I crazy?!?)
Anyone out there who can perhaps give me some advice & maybe calm my nerves down a bit?
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Surgery is going to be the easy part. The hard part is adjusting to life with your new stomach.

Oh wow! Sorry you're feeling this way. ((hugs)) Everyone has great advice on this!! I'm right there with you and scared spitless.
This I know...the only way through it...is through it. Make sure you spend some quiet time with your feelings and really "feel" and process them. Acknowledge them. Cry if you wanna. It's your party! Grieve if you must. But then, reach out and embrace and accept. Allow yourself to feel hope, excitement for the future.
Realize that there WILL be a learning curve, but that it has an endpoint. Every day that you go past the surgery will make you more and more healthy and free from pain of all kinds.
This sums up beautifully my approach to life and to this opportunity for a new life. Even in the midst of potential complications, if you keep your eye on the prize and choose optimism and gratitude, it will lighten our load!
" Being nervous is expected as it is a major surgery. I’m a week post op and feel great. Even with some bleeding that kept me a couple days longer than expected, it was really a breeze and I’m so happy I went through with it. I’m still on full liquids for another week, but each day that goes by I feel better. You’ll do great, just trust the process and stay the course."
Thanks @MG1776!! This really helped tonight!

It is very natural to be afraid prior to surgery. To get your mind off this I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.
2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.
3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

I would be more concerned if you weren’t scared. It is a big deal. But you got this. And you are not alone.
Try to focus on the after care. Make sure you have what you need when you get home. Stay busy, get your mind off it. Go see a movie. Go out with friends, spend time with family. Start journaling. Get the thoughts out of your head.
Congrats on choosing to dramatically change your life!

Being nervous is expected as it is a major surgery. I’m a week post op and feel great. Even with some bleeding that kept me a couple days longer than expected, it was really a breeze and I’m so happy I went through with it. I’m still on full liquids for another week, but each day that goes by I feel better. You’ll do great, just trust the process and stay the course.

I am scheduled for surgery on the 17th of November. After being scheduled week before last, it didn't seem real to me, but I have my pre-op appointment on Wed & it's starting to hit me... everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited... well, yes, a little... but I'm having major surgery & I asked for it! (Am I crazy?!?)
Anyone out there who can perhaps give me some advice & maybe calm my nerves down a bit?
Sent from my SM-G930R4 using BariatricPal mobile app