LuckyCat

Hey, y'all! I'm down about 75 lbs from my highest weight (around Thanksgiving), and down about 60 lbs from my surgery weight on December 2nd. That puts me at the halfway point toward my realistic goal (i.e., not the "medically ideal" weight of 115, which I haven't seen since, like, 5th grade, lol).
The weight is coming off a little slower than I'd prefer, but the non-scale victories are undeniable. My A1C dropped from 8.8 to 6.4, and I expect it to continue improving. I flew to NYC in May and was reasonably comfortable in a coach seat — no seat belt extender necessary! Plus, I walked all over the city for days, and found myself energized, not exhausted. I think best of all, I'm actually enjoying exercise for the first time in my life. It feels like a pleasure, not a punishment. I'm doing everything from the step machine to (tragically slow) jogging, yoga to Beat Saber on the Oculus. Just last October, I was too out of shape to take my kids trick-or-treating, and had to sit down on the curb to keep from hyperventilating. So, the change is dramatic!
I do have more hunger than I would have anticipated. I can easily eat 2,000 kcal a day if I don't police it. I can eat only small quantities at a time, of course, but find myself ravenously hungry an hour later. I try to focus on protein and healthy fats, which helps. Also, food in general feels less like an emotional coping mechanism than just fuel to keep me going; it's less thrilling than it used to be, which is refreshing. For me at least, bypass is a good tool, but still involves willpower and intent — which I can live with.
So glad to hear from y'all, and to know you're here.

Super excited - had my surgery 12/22/2021 I am hanging around 180 BUT I have been working out so i see the loss just gaining muscle AND I actually went running for the first time in 15 years yesterday!!! I was in track in Jr High and High School and kept up through the years until about 15 years ago I had my ACL replaced in 2011 and had cracked my femor so that started my no running gaining weight journey. It felt amazing. At first I felt my lungs after about 5 minutes and I thought hmm maybe I should stop but then I remembered that feeling from running track and racing it turned from this hurts to oh hell yes I loved that feeling because I knew I was running strong and hard in the day. I ran a mile - many leas than the old me could have - but I was proud of that one mile. And I dont feel bad today - my left hip is a bit sore but its full of arthritis so Im not surprised by that. I will rest today and run tomorrow Im building it back up slowly. I can say Ive lost enough I dont have the fat hitting so it was comfortable to run physically other than im super out of shape. I do have a lot of stomach skin - the Apron - it still carries weight as do my hips and thighs. Im where I want to be with the rest of my body - my husband said he can see my ribs and spine pretty dominant I just cant seem to move the hip, lower tummy and thigh fat. Thats where the last 40-50 pounds are that I need to loose. Im hoping squats and running with get it moving. Thanks for listening let me know if anyone here is starting to run!

Sw 227
4/16/2022 180
TWL 47 pounds

Hi December surgery friends!! Just wanted to check on everyone and see how things have been going...
As for me, I was sleeved on December 22 and have lost a total of 130 lbs. I am down to 185lbs and am working hard on meeting the "estimated goal" of 180 the doctor mentioned at my original consultation. The weight loss has slowed significantly (down to 1-2 lbs a week) but I've been able to incorporate exercising a few times a week when my schedule permits. Similar to @huskymama above, I got a running itch last week and decided to go on a 3 mile jog. Surprising to me, even after not running for years, I was able to do it.
As for eating, I'm still not consuming bread, rice, pastas, or potatoes but have had the occasional potato chip here and there. Also, I'm happy to report I still have my love of pickles and popcorn so no taste bud changes there. I'm keeping my portions at 3-4 oz depending on the food type but have definitely learned to listen to my stomach when i'm full and walk away from the table.
I truly hope everyone is doing well and making positive progress, regardless of what a scale says.

15 lbs is still a great accomplishment, congrats!! I agree, protein shakes can be really pricey. I have found that juat about every pre-made shake has a powered alternative that is much more affordable. Takes less than 5 minutes to prepare them and averages about $1 per "shake" which is a much better value. Personally my "go to" is chocolate premier protein.

Completely. My RNY surgery was 12/1 I had a really rough time in the PACU (post-surgery recovery); my blood pressure kept spiking and O2 levels kept dropping. I was there for 6 hours and it was like a terrible fever dream. Meanwhile, I think I kind of underestimated how much pain would be involved. I do tend to bounce back quickly from surgery, but the past week has been really grueling. And while I'm *very* fortunate not to have much trouble with nausea or swallowing liquids, I miss food terribly. On Friday night, after picking out a Christmas tree, my family got Mexican take-out. Just smelling the food in the car caused me to burst into tears, knowing tonight would be another f'in protein shake and jell-o for me. My husband — who usually is pretty understanding and supportive — told me I needed to just get over it. That was a *special moment.* ?
But I identify with your emotions right now. I just don't care about anything. Nothing sounds fun; everything feels like more effort than it's worth. I am desperately hoping this turns around soon.

I'm right there with you. I had RNY on Dec 1 and I truly was ill-prepared for the pain. At 25 days out, I'm still having a fair bit of pain and look as if I were pelted with golf balls at high velocity. I'm grateful to be on purees at this point, because at least it's more satisfying than liquids. But I'm beginning to wonder when this whole experience begins to become more pleasant.

Hello from the other siiiiiiide! I had RNY on Dec 1 and was home the next afternoon. I've had more pain than I anticipated, but have had zero problems meeting my liquid and protein minimums. Mainly I've been really tired and just want to rest at every opportunity. It's been pleasant not to feel hungry, especially after having completed the grueling pre-op diet.

Completely. My RNY surgery was 12/1 I had a really rough time in the PACU (post-surgery recovery); my blood pressure kept spiking and O2 levels kept dropping. I was there for 6 hours and it was like a terrible fever dream. Meanwhile, I think I kind of underestimated how much pain would be involved. I do tend to bounce back quickly from surgery, but the past week has been really grueling. And while I'm *very* fortunate not to have much trouble with nausea or swallowing liquids, I miss food terribly. On Friday night, after picking out a Christmas tree, my family got Mexican take-out. Just smelling the food in the car caused me to burst into tears, knowing tonight would be another f'in protein shake and jell-o for me. My husband — who usually is pretty understanding and supportive — told me I needed to just get over it. That was a *special moment.* ?
But I identify with your emotions right now. I just don't care about anything. Nothing sounds fun; everything feels like more effort than it's worth. I am desperately hoping this turns around soon.

Completely. My RNY surgery was 12/1 I had a really rough time in the PACU (post-surgery recovery); my blood pressure kept spiking and O2 levels kept dropping. I was there for 6 hours and it was like a terrible fever dream. Meanwhile, I think I kind of underestimated how much pain would be involved. I do tend to bounce back quickly from surgery, but the past week has been really grueling. And while I'm *very* fortunate not to have much trouble with nausea or swallowing liquids, I miss food terribly. On Friday night, after picking out a Christmas tree, my family got Mexican take-out. Just smelling the food in the car caused me to burst into tears, knowing tonight would be another f'in protein shake and jell-o for me. My husband — who usually is pretty understanding and supportive — told me I needed to just get over it. That was a *special moment.* ?
But I identify with your emotions right now. I just don't care about anything. Nothing sounds fun; everything feels like more effort than it's worth. I am desperately hoping this turns around soon.

Completely. My RNY surgery was 12/1 I had a really rough time in the PACU (post-surgery recovery); my blood pressure kept spiking and O2 levels kept dropping. I was there for 6 hours and it was like a terrible fever dream. Meanwhile, I think I kind of underestimated how much pain would be involved. I do tend to bounce back quickly from surgery, but the past week has been really grueling. And while I'm *very* fortunate not to have much trouble with nausea or swallowing liquids, I miss food terribly. On Friday night, after picking out a Christmas tree, my family got Mexican take-out. Just smelling the food in the car caused me to burst into tears, knowing tonight would be another f'in protein shake and jell-o for me. My husband — who usually is pretty understanding and supportive — told me I needed to just get over it. That was a *special moment.* ?
But I identify with your emotions right now. I just don't care about anything. Nothing sounds fun; everything feels like more effort than it's worth. I am desperately hoping this turns around soon.

Completely. My RNY surgery was 12/1 I had a really rough time in the PACU (post-surgery recovery); my blood pressure kept spiking and O2 levels kept dropping. I was there for 6 hours and it was like a terrible fever dream. Meanwhile, I think I kind of underestimated how much pain would be involved. I do tend to bounce back quickly from surgery, but the past week has been really grueling. And while I'm *very* fortunate not to have much trouble with nausea or swallowing liquids, I miss food terribly. On Friday night, after picking out a Christmas tree, my family got Mexican take-out. Just smelling the food in the car caused me to burst into tears, knowing tonight would be another f'in protein shake and jell-o for me. My husband — who usually is pretty understanding and supportive — told me I needed to just get over it. That was a *special moment.* ?
But I identify with your emotions right now. I just don't care about anything. Nothing sounds fun; everything feels like more effort than it's worth. I am desperately hoping this turns around soon.

Hello from the other siiiiiiide! I had RNY on Dec 1 and was home the next afternoon. I've had more pain than I anticipated, but have had zero problems meeting my liquid and protein minimums. Mainly I've been really tired and just want to rest at every opportunity. It's been pleasant not to feel hungry, especially after having completed the grueling pre-op diet.

Hello from the other siiiiiiide! I had RNY on Dec 1 and was home the next afternoon. I've had more pain than I anticipated, but have had zero problems meeting my liquid and protein minimums. Mainly I've been really tired and just want to rest at every opportunity. It's been pleasant not to feel hungry, especially after having completed the grueling pre-op diet.

Hello from the other siiiiiiide! I had RNY on Dec 1 and was home the next afternoon. I've had more pain than I anticipated, but have had zero problems meeting my liquid and protein minimums. Mainly I've been really tired and just want to rest at every opportunity. It's been pleasant not to feel hungry, especially after having completed the grueling pre-op diet.

@LadyH that’s exactly what I said it would be a Xmas gift to myself lol & I think I’m scared because of honestly Did all the exams & everything came out great I’m literally healthy overall I’m just overweight my BMI is 39 I’m 5’6 even though all the other docs I had to go through told me I don’t look fat & don’t see why to do it my weight says it all lol I have two kids trying to live long for them

Hey there! I’m scheduled for bypass on Dec. 1. (Originally set for September 15, but the hospital cancelled all elective surgeries because of Covid-related capacity issues, but they’re back on track now.) I toggle between being excited, impatient, anxious, and downright terrified. ? Starting pre-op diet next Monday (right in time for Thanksgiving, wooooo), so right now I’m kind of in a “farewell to food” spell. Today’s farewell involved pad thai. Alas.