Lufifi

I find the most ridiculous exercise videos on YouTube and try to do them. Like silly dancing. It gets me laughing and is good for me!

I am an over achiever. Always have been. Currently I work full time in a demanding but fulfilling job, go to school full time at a major university with a double major, preparing to graduate next spring and move right on to a joint masters program for my MPA and JD. What else makes sense? Having weight loss surgery in the middle of the holidays!!!
I did it. I got those nifty holes poked in me on December 27th, 2017.
I'm a tough lady. I'm just like my mama who has a high tolerance for pain I guess. My surgery was a breeze. Other than the feeling that was reminiscent of those mortifying middle school years when we were forced to do the sit-ups in gym class. So I had to maneuver myself out of bed, but no real pain. I walked and walked in the hospital. Not one bit of nausea and although it felt weird to drink, no nausea. Well, except for 2 minutes before I was released and I thought I was going to projectile vomit. I started sweating and then... BUUUUUURRRRRRRP. Yeah. That happened. If I hadn't taken the time off due to the holidays anyway, I would have gone to work the day after my release (stayed overnight).
Anyway, I have followed my diet and exercise to the letter. I walk 5 miles (treadmill) at the gym 3 times per week, I have approval to work with weights now so I am working with small weights (Amazon basics has a great CHEAP set 1lb, 2 lb, and 5 lb pairs), and I walk outside as much as I possibly can.
I've been gung ho since day one. So how much did I lose the first month after surgery?
6 lousy pounds. SIX. S I X.
I did have an immediate weight loss of 7 pounds the week after surgery (probably my stomach lol), but then... six in a whole month.
I was a size 22 when I started this journey. At the time of the surgery, I could squish my butt into a 20 but by the end of the day I would be in pain and usually undid my pants at my desk. I had moved to leggings (yes, they ARE pants) after the surgery because they wouldn't bother any incisions.
Still all moping around because of my 6 pound failure, I decided to try on my cute size 16 jeans. I know, 16 isn't a good goal but I had it as my first goal. They were out of the plus size, and on clearance.
To my shock, THEY FIT.
Not only did they fit, but they fit comfortably. I haven't been able to fit 16s over my thighs since about 2000, if not before.
How? Why? WHAT?
I am smart. I understand that muscle weighs more than fat. I knew that I had been really making an effort but from a 20/22 to a 16? WOWZA!
Had another appointment the next day and I spoke with my surgeon and he had them do all my measurements. I have lost SO MANY inches. He said that I had lost a lot of fat and gained muscle and my actual number weight loss will catch up and to not worry,
I did. Another month of it and I lost over 12 lbs last month! To some, this is slow. I have read about people losing 5-8 lbs per week. That's great and all but I am apparently the tortoise in this race. I feel great, albeit slow and steady, and I will win this race! My resting heart rate was high 80s/low 90s before surgery. Now I'm in the low 70s. My blood sugar has stabilized and I am no longer pre-diabetic. I have been taken off my cholesterol statin. I'll still have extra skin but I'm working hard at firming a lot of it up.
So don't get discouraged, friends. We all lose differently. Being a slow loser has some advantages. Just keep on track, stop worrying about the scale number that we have all been so conditioned to look at most and measure yourself. Don't get too down. Drink your Water. Get to that Protein goal. Drink more water! Watch those sneaky carbs! WALK WALK WALK WALK. Drink water lol.
Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. Call your bariatric team/surgeon. They are there for you.

I am an over achiever. Always have been. Currently I work full time in a demanding but fulfilling job, go to school full time at a major university with a double major, preparing to graduate next spring and move right on to a joint masters program for my MPA and JD. What else makes sense? Having weight loss surgery in the middle of the holidays!!!
I did it. I got those nifty holes poked in me on December 27th, 2017.
I'm a tough lady. I'm just like my mama who has a high tolerance for pain I guess. My surgery was a breeze. Other than the feeling that was reminiscent of those mortifying middle school years when we were forced to do the sit-ups in gym class. So I had to maneuver myself out of bed, but no real pain. I walked and walked in the hospital. Not one bit of nausea and although it felt weird to drink, no nausea. Well, except for 2 minutes before I was released and I thought I was going to projectile vomit. I started sweating and then... BUUUUUURRRRRRRP. Yeah. That happened. If I hadn't taken the time off due to the holidays anyway, I would have gone to work the day after my release (stayed overnight).
Anyway, I have followed my diet and exercise to the letter. I walk 5 miles (treadmill) at the gym 3 times per week, I have approval to work with weights now so I am working with small weights (Amazon basics has a great CHEAP set 1lb, 2 lb, and 5 lb pairs), and I walk outside as much as I possibly can.
I've been gung ho since day one. So how much did I lose the first month after surgery?
6 lousy pounds. SIX. S I X.
I did have an immediate weight loss of 7 pounds the week after surgery (probably my stomach lol), but then... six in a whole month.
I was a size 22 when I started this journey. At the time of the surgery, I could squish my butt into a 20 but by the end of the day I would be in pain and usually undid my pants at my desk. I had moved to leggings (yes, they ARE pants) after the surgery because they wouldn't bother any incisions.
Still all moping around because of my 6 pound failure, I decided to try on my cute size 16 jeans. I know, 16 isn't a good goal but I had it as my first goal. They were out of the plus size, and on clearance.
To my shock, THEY FIT.
Not only did they fit, but they fit comfortably. I haven't been able to fit 16s over my thighs since about 2000, if not before.
How? Why? WHAT?
I am smart. I understand that muscle weighs more than fat. I knew that I had been really making an effort but from a 20/22 to a 16? WOWZA!
Had another appointment the next day and I spoke with my surgeon and he had them do all my measurements. I have lost SO MANY inches. He said that I had lost a lot of fat and gained muscle and my actual number weight loss will catch up and to not worry,
I did. Another month of it and I lost over 12 lbs last month! To some, this is slow. I have read about people losing 5-8 lbs per week. That's great and all but I am apparently the tortoise in this race. I feel great, albeit slow and steady, and I will win this race! My resting heart rate was high 80s/low 90s before surgery. Now I'm in the low 70s. My blood sugar has stabilized and I am no longer pre-diabetic. I have been taken off my cholesterol statin. I'll still have extra skin but I'm working hard at firming a lot of it up.
So don't get discouraged, friends. We all lose differently. Being a slow loser has some advantages. Just keep on track, stop worrying about the scale number that we have all been so conditioned to look at most and measure yourself. Don't get too down. Drink your Water. Get to that Protein goal. Drink more water! Watch those sneaky carbs! WALK WALK WALK WALK. Drink water lol.
Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. Call your bariatric team/surgeon. They are there for you.

5 days out now and I can drink liquids fine. Maybe not fast but I can drink what I need to. My surgeon said I was healing so well that he thought purees would be ok on Friday... only 3 days post op. I didn't. I went to regular liquids from clear and I did eat 2.5 oz of yogurt with Protein Powder but let it pretty much melt in my mouth. I ate a cup of Soup (watered down cream of chicken)... really runny... and i'm not really feeling much of a restriction. I'm scared something's wrong! I'm not hungry but I would have thought that I would be like everyone else and struggle to hit my Protein and Water goals.
I'm probably overreacting as and what i'm consuming is all liquid, my lack of restriction might be normal.
Anyone have thoughts?

I pooped! I have never been so happy about pooping.
Thank you Smooth Move tea.
One week post op and now I feel fantastic! Lol!!!!
Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I pooped! I have never been so happy about pooping.
Thank you Smooth Move tea.
One week post op and now I feel fantastic! Lol!!!!
Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I saw it at Walmart so probably anywhere. With the herbal tea.

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Haha this was me yesterday! I never would have thought that would be exciting to me, but....
Glad the tea worked!

I pooped! I have never been so happy about pooping.
Thank you Smooth Move tea.
One week post op and now I feel fantastic! Lol!!!!
Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

This was me two days ago! I am one week post op today as well and felt so much better after! Here’s to healthy pooing in the future! Lol

How long did it take for the tea to work? I bought it, but am scared to use it! Lol I dont want to be stuck on the toilet for a day!

I pooped! I have never been so happy about pooping.
Thank you Smooth Move tea.
One week post op and now I feel fantastic! Lol!!!!
Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I pooped! I have never been so happy about pooping.
Thank you Smooth Move tea.
One week post op and now I feel fantastic! Lol!!!!
Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 5 weeks out and I haven't experienced head hungry but man oh man have my taste buds change from week to week. One week I like one thing and the next I'm like keep that away from me. The only things I've had cravings for are a salad and salsa. Think positive and remember you will get through this!! You got this!!

Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you! I have followed everything to the letter. Not one cheat on the liquid pre diet, feel awesome now other than my outer belly being itchy and a bit sore.

I am on my 17th days and eating pretty much everything but very small amount. I am so surprise!

Liquids go right through, so once healed as you noted it's slow but you can consume a lot. Puréed food is similar. You really start to see it when you move to soft foods. Just pace yourself the first few times you overeat can be pretty unpleasant

Thank you! I have followed everything to the letter. Not one cheat on the liquid pre diet, feel awesome now other than my outer belly being itchy and a bit sore.

You will feel the restriction when you progress to denser food. Great work with your recovery [emoji3]

I had surgery yesterday and everything went great! I'm up now trying to get in some of my fluids.

Sent from my SM-J700T using BariatricPal mobile app

My insurance had no requirements other than the BMI or BMI and comorbidities. My surgeon did require 2 nutrition classes and a pre-op class.
I know what to and to not do.
You just can't cure stupid.

whey Protein Shakes can make you constipated. Try Smooth Move tea or a stool softener.

I absolutely will! I am so excited.

I absolutely will! I am so excited.

I know. I'm weird. I love Protein Shakes, I haven't strayed at all from the diet and I'm down 12.8 lbs. I have so much energy. Everyone had warned me that because of the lack of calories I would be dragging, but I feel FANTASTIC! Maybe it's the B12 nasal spray my doc prescribed or the new Vitamins, but I have so much energy.
I'm not hungry. I stopped all caffeine when the diet started and had a Headache on and off for a couple days. I'm drinking a ridiculous amount of Water but just trying to make it a habit even though I know that I won't be able to gulp it down like this soon. I'm walking 1.5 to 2 miles per day.
I just wanted to post this for those (like me) who have read all the warning stories. Not all of us have a bad experience!
9 days until surgery! C'mon December 27!!!