Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Swimming is key for me



Recommended Posts

I have followed this forum for a while, but not as an active poster. Dr. George Merriman in Shreveport, Louisiana performed my VSG surgery on December 4th, 2009. My recovery has been uneventful, and my weight loss has been phenomenal. My maximum weight was 310 lbs, and I had been between 290 and 310 continuously for the past 15 years. Since my surgery, I have lost 96 lbs, and am currently swimming 2500 yards a day in under 55 minutes. At age 60, I have not felt this good in years. I had a hip replacement in 2008, and that has also improved my life.

I am a surgeon myself, and can tell you that this is truly a life changing surgery. I have not been hungry or felt deprived at all. I have not advertised to friends that I had this done, but several of my close friends, and my family have been very supportive. My wife of 40 years, and my kids think it is the greatest thing that has ever happened. I do not own any clothes at this time that were hanging in my closet on Dec 1, 2009. The local charities have been the beneficiaries of this windfall. For anyone who is considering this procedure, I would encourage you to do your homework, know your surgeon, and realize that even with a VSG, you need to exercise and change not only how much you eat, but what you eat. Protein consumption is critical to maintaining your health. Good luck to anyone who goes through the blessings that this procedure has given me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations on your WL victory! I don't like swimming in chlorinated Water but as soon as the weather warms up I intend to get out there and swim in the salty old LI Sound and often. Being that you are a surgeon it's great to have your testimony. Thanks so much for posting. Best wishes for continued success.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations!

That is a tremendous loss so far!

I'm hoping to learn some Water aerobics that I can do at home and I also love swimming.

I figure these are low impact things for my back until its get stronger and I can do other things.

Yikes..my surgery is tomorrow morning!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I love swimming and waiting for my salt Water pool to warm up so I can get swimming. But a bigger pool would also be great to get big laps in.....tempting.....I'm a Water bug.

Your weight loss is amazing. I haven't lost that much that fast, and I have not exercised. So you are inspiring me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm a couple of weeks out from surgery and getting a bit overwhelmed. It helps so much to hear from people like you and know how good this can be. Congratulations on your success....it sounds like you work hard for it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's so wonderful!!:thumbup1:

If you don't mind my asking, how long after surgery did you have to wait to swim? I would think til all the little wounds from the laproscopic procedure are totally healed up? Or is there some other guideline too? I would really love to start out with swimming because with knee, foot, and back pain, that's the easiest way for me to get cardio. I know once some of the weight is off I'll be able to handle more impact again but in the beginning swimming would be wonderful.:001_tt1:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's so wonderful!!:thumbup1:

If you don't mind my asking, how long after surgery did you have to wait to swim? I would think til all the little wounds from the laproscopic procedure are totally healed up? Or is there some other guideline too? I would really love to start out with swimming because with knee, foot, and back pain, that's the easiest way for me to get cardio. I know once some of the weight is off I'll be able to handle more impact again but in the beginning swimming would be wonderful.:001_tt1:

I started swimming one month after surgery. You need to be sure that your Protein intake is adequate to tolerate the additional stress of exercise. My surgeon does not recommend weight training for 3 to 4 months post op. I have been so successful with the swimming that that is all I do for exercise, but I am so much more active now that I feel better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What a wonderful post! You give me hope and courage. I too am 60 and my sleeve surgery is scheduled for May7th. It's been about 10 years since I have seen the scale less than 280 and have been as high as 330. The swim part caught my eye because I love the Water. Hope all keeps going well for you. Thanks for such a great post.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations, and thanks for posting about the swimming....it's really nice for me to know that you have been so successful with it, as it's really the only recommended exercise for me (I have fibromyalgia). Thanks for the inspiration!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

how wonderful! You are doing so well and I have to say it is very encouraging! Our community pool opens in just two weeks and am thinking of taking lessons (lost my skills) and trying to accomplish some laps.

What are your thoughts on how swimming has effected excess skin? I've not researched enough about which activities will be most beneficial to the excess skin issue!

Enjoy swimming and keep on your wonderful progress!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm new to the site. .thanks for sharing your story. My surgery date for the sleeve is June 15 I'm sooo ready! If u don't mind me asking what did u wear in the hospital? I really don't wanna wear the hospital outfit, lol d0 I have a options to wear what I want?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wore their gowns which were too small for most people getting WLS. It is probably a good idea to take your own. I just took a cover up because I knew I would need it. Also non-skid shoes because you will be walking as much as you can. Good luck with your surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Qualey - thanks for your post!

Your weightloss is amazing you must feel so much better for it.

We're lucky enough to have a pool, and I have been swimming to fitten myself up for the op in just over 2 weeks time.

Can I ask when you say about the Protein are you talking about the 70g a day amount? Or more than that?

Kathy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×