Jen2020MGB

What I'm about to write has the caveat that I'm only almost a year out, and aware that my thoughts might change on this if I stop losing or even put on weight, but...
I now have a couple of Cookies when I fancy them, as opposed to the couple of packets I used to have. I don't feel deprived, and seem to be able to avoid overeating at the moment. I still don't keep much in the house to avoid too much temptation. I am however very aware that I may slide into wanting more! So having to be careful.

This is one of the rules I found pretty arbitrary and weird. I have drunk through straws throughout as I just couldn't sip things, and it still helps me regulate how much I'm taking in. At no point do I accidentally swallow gallons of air just because I'm using a straw! However, people are different and surgeons are different, you know what they've advised and you know your body. I don't think there is any big secret to it, if you take in air when you use a straw then avoid, if you don't then it's probably fine.

I can see the veins on the back of my hand (and elsewhere) now! A huge plus, before it was always really horrible having blood tests, noone could hit a vein apart from one wonder nurse. Straight after surgery I had two anaethetists struggling too! But now it's easy, and I don't have to be a human pin cushion for routine tests.

I’m having it done here in Atlanta by a highly experienced and respected bariatric surgeon. He has done many of them and likes them because with only the one hook up, there is less chance of future issues or leaking. Does the same as regular bypass…

It’s funny how I still find myself doing something & suddenly realise there was no way I would have been able to do it before surgery. Yesterday I was standing in one leg undoing my laces to take my shoes off. Not sitting & not heaving up my leg to try to reach the laces. Just standing on one leg with the other leg raised by itself & being able to balance & reach to undo the lace without even thinking about it. Even after two years you still discover little nsv.

What I'm about to write has the caveat that I'm only almost a year out, and aware that my thoughts might change on this if I stop losing or even put on weight, but...
I now have a couple of Cookies when I fancy them, as opposed to the couple of packets I used to have. I don't feel deprived, and seem to be able to avoid overeating at the moment. I still don't keep much in the house to avoid too much temptation. I am however very aware that I may slide into wanting more! So having to be careful.

surfing. Me???? A late 40’s, formerly morbidly obese lady??? Yes 😬🏄‍♀️

I can see the veins on the back of my hand (and elsewhere) now! A huge plus, before it was always really horrible having blood tests, noone could hit a vein apart from one wonder nurse. Straight after surgery I had two anaethetists struggling too! But now it's easy, and I don't have to be a human pin cushion for routine tests.

You will want to avoid heaving two weeks out. I was still on full liquid at 2 weeks, no bits. Don't be afraid to go back a stage on your food plan, not everyone can tolerate solid that soon. Take your time, it will get easier. Hope you are feeling better now.

I just wanted to say thank you to all y'all. I found this site a while ago and have been lurking and reading and learning.

The honest talk helped me with a lot of the anxiety I was having about surgery. The photos inspired me so much—so many of you changed your lives and kept them changed. The folks who are really into exercise reassured me that it isn't over (I love my CrossFit, and I can't wait until my weight isn't the limiting factor). And just the fact that so many people's lives improved finally got me over the "shame hump".

I called for a referral, had my initial consultation last week, and am tentatively scheduled for VSG in late August. (My insurance has been frankly amazing. So few roadblocks that I kept checking to make sure they were talking about bariatric surgery.) To say I can't wait for this is an understatement.

I just want y'all to know you're changing lives for me and for other lurkers who haven't clicked that "sign up" button yet. Thank you.

Feeling more confident about my picture being taken at family functions, holidays, etc. I used to actually hide when the cameras came out because I feared of my pics being shown to everyone to see how big I was.
Not being embarrassed to eat in front of others. When I was bigger, I didn't like to eat in front of anyone because in my mind they were making fun of me for being so fat.

Just thought I'd post about how this process has gone for me over the past "almost" year as today I crossed a big milestone (at least big to me).
198.8 - which when I think about it - I haven't been this weight since 2007 when I was doing weight watchers and had lost 40lbs. I think back over this past year it's still a little surreal.
At this time last year, I was finishing up my insurance pre-reqs of meeting with a nutritionist and therapist for 6 months. I had already started to transition my diet to two Protein Shakes for Breakfast and lunch to prep for my pre-surgical diet. I was nervous, scared and not 100% sure that I wanted to go through with bypass but also beginning to realize that I couldn't lose the weight on my own or I would have already.
My surgery was at the end of August and the two weeks of fluids before hand was really hard, but honestly - I was really proud of myself for doing it and grinding through what I couldn't imagine doing before. Those two weeks, to me, helped to set me up for what I could expect after surgery.
The day of surgery I almost told my husband to drive me back home. It was my first time anywhere since COVID hit and that alone was kind of terrifying to me. I remember being wheeled back to surgery and the anesthesiologist talking to me and asking me if I was excited. My response, "No. I'm terrified." But he gave my hand a squeeze and kept reassuring me that it was going to be ok and the team was great. Once I got in the surgical room it seemed to have the same kind of vibe - the team was more excited for me than I was.
I just don't think I could get my head wrapped around this procedure working. That I would lose weight and that my life would change. I think it all still felt very unreal - even as they put me to sleep.
Recovery - overall wasn't the most awful thing but it wasn't great. I ended up in the ER a couple days later due to dehydration. What helped me the most was an abdominal binder that they gave me when I left the hospital. I left this on for about three weeks until things stopped feeling like they were shifting or pulling. While the pain wasn't too unbearable, the reality that drinking, eating and for a short time peeing was a chore. Trying to get enough fluids was hard. Drinking the amount of Protein I needed to afterwards was impossible for me. I had to measure out 3oz and a time and set timers throughout the day to help me remember no to drink Water for a half hour before and a half hour after. Once I started solid foods it was also difficult for me. Trying to figure out what I was ok to eat (that didn't completely turn my stomach) and learning that crab, tuna, salmon would be my go to food for awhile. Adding in cheeses, eventually chicken and turkey on top of the protein shakes I was still doing.
After three months things started to get a little easier for me, my check up with the Nutritionist went well although she wanted me to get my calories way up. So I started to incorporate things with more fat into my diet. Nuts, Peanut Butter, avocado were just a few things that I started to try.
I think it was around this point where I realized, ok... this is starting to work. I was seeing weight come off and while food was a struggle I was walking around the block and having an easier time of it. My breathing was easier, sitting on the couch was easier, my back was hurting less, my clothes were starting to fit better.
As time went on I continued to add things to my diet, fruit, veggies, and eventually some carbs. Were there things that did not agree with me, absolutely, but I learned from trying them and adjusted my diet.
I waited to buy clothes until about two months ago. I had to go into the store to try on pants because I had no idea what size I was. I fit into a 16 and 14... which blew my mind. At my highest I was a size 24 and even that was tight. I've since ordered a bunch of new things which also helps me to see the difference in weight.
Things I still struggle with - drinking enough water. Losing hair - I still have a good amount but had a 2 month stint where I lost a lot. I still am freaking out when I see more than 10 hairs coming out on the brush but I have a ton of new baby hair growing back in. Making sure I'm focusing on eating enough protein and not drinking with meals. Going to the bathroom - it's either all or nothing for me. 😂 I usually weigh in after I go though - seems like a solid strategy in my mind.
The things that worked for me: ProCare Health Bariatric Multivitamins with Iron (1/day). Their sea salt caramel calcium chews (2.5/day). Biotin gummies - no idea if they helped but considering that I didn't lose soooo much hair I'm just going to keep taking them.
And if you're still with me - A big thanks to everyone who posted on here before my surgery. I was definitely a lurker but your stories helped to prepare me and give me confidence as I went through this myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Now on to Celebrate being in ONDERLAND again and I'd still like to lose another 30-40lbs - which I know the surgery won't get me there for the full amount (at least from my doctor's perspective) but I'm going to keep working at it and chipping away to see where I end up.

I had zero motivation to work out, until about 5/6 months out when I'd lost a decent amount of weight and physically it was easier. Still didn't really want to exercise, but did some long walks.
Something strange has happened at almost 10 months out and I just want to run, all the time. I've never been a runner so I can't really figure out why, but sharing just to give an example of how things have changed for me.
It's very hard to work out when already in a huge calorie deficit, which is possibly why I feel much more up for working out now my weight and diet are more 'normal'.
I hope you figure out something that works for you, but don't worry too much if you're not feeling it yet. 😊

I had zero motivation to work out, until about 5/6 months out when I'd lost a decent amount of weight and physically it was easier. Still didn't really want to exercise, but did some long walks.
Something strange has happened at almost 10 months out and I just want to run, all the time. I've never been a runner so I can't really figure out why, but sharing just to give an example of how things have changed for me.
It's very hard to work out when already in a huge calorie deficit, which is possibly why I feel much more up for working out now my weight and diet are more 'normal'.
I hope you figure out something that works for you, but don't worry too much if you're not feeling it yet. 😊

Exercise for it's own sake is boring. BORING. As such, I've never cared to sustain 'working out.' Even when I was much younger and decent shape I didn't do gyms. Hated it. But participating in sports I enjoyed. Games are fun, gyms not so much.
When I had my surgery we lived in Las Vegas. My surgery was open (cut open stem to stern then a drain for a couple weeks) so doing much of anything wasn't going to happen. Heck, breathing barely happened because any movement was painful. Thinking of breathing was slightly less painful. Once the tubes and staples were removed we began doing all sorts of people watching and walking.
The first walk I was able to make it perhaps a hundred or so meters. As time moved on and weight moved off we were walking up to 10 miles up and down the strip or wherever else we walked. Still, exercise for it's own sake was not in my plans.
When I got down to a weight that began with 2-- I had an abundance of energy and thought it would be interesting to see if I could do the 'couch to 5k' program to see if I could run 5k. I had no intention of doing more than accomplishing the goal. When I managed running the 5k I found it was enjoyable. As running became part of my daily routine I found it gave me time to ponder the day ahead and to listen to audio books.
A few times I tried hitting the treadmill in the gym. I did everything identical to running outside and it was pure torture. Hated every step. The gym felt crowded and I felt on display whereas outside I felt free and alone. So, I never did 'work out' in a gym.
Do what you enjoy. If you like it you will do it. It's your life do it your way.
Good luck,
Tek

My tipping point was concerns about blood sugar, and being pre-diabetes. Some photos of me looking bigger than ever, I didn't even recognise myself and was in disbelief for ages, sealed the deal.

My tipping point was concerns about blood sugar, and being pre-diabetes. Some photos of me looking bigger than ever, I didn't even recognise myself and was in disbelief for ages, sealed the deal.

To answer the original question: yes. I’m 7 months out, and although I’ve hand a good outcome from an objective standpoint, I regret this decision deeply. These are my reasons:

1) There’s not a day when I don’t think about how terrible my body looks. I’m currently very close to where I thought I wanted to be long term, but I can’t stand seeing myself. I’d rather look at my old self in the mirror.

2) My menstrual cycle is totally screwed up and has been ever since surgery. I was having constant periods for a while, and now I haven’t had one in 8 weeks. Totally unpredictable, and all my surgeon has to say is, “That shouldn’t Ben happening.”

3) I’m tired of being praised for how great I’m doing, how great I look, and what I eat. I don’t eat anything different than I’ve ever eaten: the amounts are just smaller. Not all fat people are fat because of pizza and fast food. Some people gain lots of weight during a period of chronic illness, and that reality is totally lost on my medical team. I’ve stopped following up with my surgeon because I’ve tried discussing how anxious our appointments make me due to all this praise she’s giving me for nothing, but she never stopped doing that even after I requested. The thought of seeing her gets me really upset, so I’ve just stopped going. I’m a healthcare provider myself, so I’m aware of that being a risky decision.

4) I’m tired of the random comments about my body from people I know as acquaintances. Losing this much weight isn’t heroic, and I don’t like it when other people refer to me in that way and with similar adjectives.

5) I hate that people treat me differently now. It’s like my worst fear has been realized: there are a lot of people who like me now only because of my smaller body size. Suddenly, I get to sit in on conversations where thin women make fun of fat women: conversations where I would’ve been the one being gossiped about a few months ago.

Granted, there have been good things about it. I like being able to do more things with my body. I like having more clothing options. But that’s it. If I could, I’d take this entire decision back and be as I was before.

My surgeon asked what my goal weight was & I suggested 60kg & a BMI of about 23 which was the lowest weight I’d reach whenever I tried to lose in the past. I was always told I was a medium to large frame so the higher end of the BMI range seemed reasonable. He thought it was achievable too.
Hit my goal at 6 months & then lost another about 12kg trying to find the balance in the first year of maintenance. I generally sit at 49kg now (+/-500g) though I sat at 48.5 (+/-500g) for a couple of months once I stabilised. The lowest weight I’ve reached was 47.9kg last month but that was an anomaly.
Yes, I did look thin at first & family would comment I looked drawn but everything seems to have resettled & I look fine now. Funny thing is I actually have a smallish frame so I can carry my lower weight & BMI.
I maintain at about 1200 calories but I’m not very active. Some days I feel hungry others I don’t. My hunger started coming back at about 18 months or so. My restriction is still active. Generally I eat to routine to allow for times I’m not hungry & also allow for days I am so I ensure I still eat about 1200 calories.
I’m a big believer in finding the right balance for you. You have to be able to maintain your weight & be happy living your life. You may be able to maintain at a lower weight but are the costs (more restricted diet, increased activity) worth how it may restrict your life. For you, the answer may be yes but for someone else it may be no. Both answers are correct. A healthy, happy life should be more important than a number on the scale or the size label in your clothes. Of course those numbers can be incredibly empowering but the reality is they’re not as important as health & happiness. But that’s my opinion.

It’s going to be hard. Very hard in fact. Make sure you absolutely want to do it. You will most likely have regrets shortly after surgery. You can’t know everything beforehand. You can only prepare so much. Having said that, if you really want to make a lifestyle change and can handle the mental battle, it will absolutely be worth it. I agree with the others, your journey will be unique. I’m only 10 weeks post op and it took me until about 2 weeks ago to stop regretting it. I just focused on day to day. I’m still never hungry, I have no desire to eat, I don’t get all my Protein in each day but I’ve learned how to create a routine. As mentioned, everybody is unique. I think it’s important for people considering this to know that it’s not easy. It might be the hardest thing you’ll ever do. At least mentally. But as they say, the things most worth achieving are also the most difficult. Good luck should you choose this surgery.

I went for a round 150 as the 'main' goal, as I was that weight when I was around 17 and looked and felt great (not that I thought it at the time!!). Now I'm getting closer at 179, and when I look in the mirror there appears to be more than 29 pounds to go! So I may revise goal but will see when I get there or close. It's hard to imagine ourselves so light I think, after many years of being heavier. It's such a personal thing, and like others have said I do sometimes worry that I'll never be happy!
I love the 'weirdest none-scale-victory' thread for ideas of what to notice and Celebrate, and mentally I find it helpful to shift focus away from the numbers sometimes, particularly when experiencing a stall.

As many have said, I just regret not having it sooner. However, the year of covid delays actually were a good thing for me as I went into it totally certain it was what I wanted, and I was as mentally prepared as I could have been. If I'd had the surgery as initially planned, I might've felt some regret as I just don't think I was mentally ready and it was all a bit rushed for such a big decision (2 months from initial consult to first surgery date).
Now that I've had it and experienced good weight loss (although not done yet), I do have the occasional thought of 'why couldn't I just do this without surgery', but I always go back to having struggled for 20 years, I know I couldn't have done it without and my food addiction would've continued for the rest of my life. I regret needing it in the first place, but I don't regret having the surgery.

Another great thread! This is the only place I go for advice or to share wls experiences. I joined a bunch of Facebook groups when I first had surgery, but they turned out to be dreadful places and I always came away feeling terrible about everything! The support and encouragement offered here has been invaluable for me and I'm sure many others. 🤍

My date shifted due to covid, and because of a huge amount of stress eating I actually put on quite a lot of weight in the four months before surgery... I lost about a stone on the pre op diet, in the two weeks immediately before surgery. I was (irrationally) afraid I wouldn't make it through the op, and got obsessed with liver shrinking. I'm glad I took it as seriously as I did, I had a lot of mental preparation time due to the covid delays, and am 100% sure that's what's helped me make a success of the tool 9 months down the line.
I didn't consciously do food funerals, but I had read lots about restriction and dumping and scared myself half to death worrying! Turns out I can eat almost anything and have almost no problem working around the small stomach when needed like in social situations, but before surgery I definitely had lots of 'this is my last EVER x' thoughts! This all added into my worry and I just ate loads. Now I don't even enjoy all the same stuff, so like many things we worry about it was absolutely wasted energy!

I went for a round 150 as the 'main' goal, as I was that weight when I was around 17 and looked and felt great (not that I thought it at the time!!). Now I'm getting closer at 179, and when I look in the mirror there appears to be more than 29 pounds to go! So I may revise goal but will see when I get there or close. It's hard to imagine ourselves so light I think, after many years of being heavier. It's such a personal thing, and like others have said I do sometimes worry that I'll never be happy!
I love the 'weirdest none-scale-victory' thread for ideas of what to notice and Celebrate, and mentally I find it helpful to shift focus away from the numbers sometimes, particularly when experiencing a stall.