My Story

I found BariatricPal when researching online about my decision to have gastric sleeve surgery. At seven months out from surgery I have reached goal.

Two events happened and gave me a big wake up call that I had to change:

(1) Admitted to a hospital Intensive care unit for seven days. My internal organs systematically shut down and I coded. As a uncontrolled type one diabetic I was in DKA (keytoacidosis).

(2) Received the news that my mother and my father in law both had stage four cancer at the same time. My uncle provided my mothers hospice care while I was providing my father in law's hospice care. They passed with in four days of each other. Amazing they handled knowing they were dying with such grace. The least I could do is get my health under control and live a life they were not able to live.

The good, the bad and the ugly of wight loss surgery:

The good out weigh everything. Heath issues controlled to completely gone. Living and loving life in a big way. It has positively effected my relationships. I have become an adrenaline junkie. I am training to complete a half marathon. I am up for experiencing anything.

The bad. I'm a bit obsessive about fitness. I also have to tone down my enthusiasm. My enthusiasm level is not everyone else's level . I am still working on my body image. I see myself as my high weight. I am working with a therapist and hope to get comfortable with where I am now.

The ugly. Ok, we all know about the loose skin and temporary hair loss. None of it bothers me. A few people in my life have been unnerved by my change. I have had to distance these relationships and I keep the supportive people around me. I am waiting for the shocked reactions to stop and have people accept that this is me.

What has helped most:

Having support: Friends, Family, Local support groups and support from BariaticPal

After care programs: Working one on one with my dietitian. Bariatric cooking classes. Behavioral change classes. a therapist to work through the weight loss process.

Fitness: Starting slow and building up. I can't say enough about my gym. After coding in the hospital I will never take my health for granted.

Motivation: Find what is fun and excites you. Reward yourself for the big and little goals. Document each month. Save a pair of pants.(If you have days you struggle put them on). Get involved with weight loss challenges, sporting events, fun physical activities, charity events and just savor life before it's gone.

Apps and Websites: Love that you can find an app for anything. I use them to track food, blood sugars, workout's and weight loss. Information is power. I receive MSN health and fitness feed. Keeps me up to date on trends great new articles every day. Fitness sites like tone it up keep me motivated. So much info out there just google it

Thanks for posting this! I love how to the point it is and really is helpful. I've been looking into surgery now for a couple of months and need to make my appointment with a surgeon. I've been putting it off and after reading this I just feel like I don't have time to keep wasting, we all have a life to really live and people to live it for! thanks again

Thanks for posting this! I love how to the point it is and really is helpful. I've been looking into surgery now for a couple of months and need to make my appointment with a surgeon. I've been putting it off and after reading this I just feel like I don't have time to keep wasting, we all have a life to really live and people to live it for! thanks again

@@ashleyclarke44

make that appointment! happy to know the post helped.

What a great story. You look fit and amazing. I've started running again and I'm starting with a 5K in May. Feels good to be able to move.

Just amazing how quickly you got to goal. It's probably going to take me a little longer but I'm pushing ahead regardless. So excited to get to where you are at.

Good luck on your half. Make sure to let us know how it goes.

Great post!

I find myself "distancing" myself a bit from some people too. I put alot of energy into helping my love ones deal with my massive change. Most of them are "over it" and it is a non issue. I have a few siblings who just can't let it go and are obsessed with my size/weight. They see me as too thin due to their own distorted view and I am frankly tired of apologizing for being in single digit clothing! I am absolutely not too thin weighing in the 150s.

I find my obsession with exercise has eased off.. over time. I am still very active, but don't seem to feel the "need" for exercise like i used.

@@*Lexie*

Keep pushing ahead you will get to where you want to be. Congratulations! If you're ticker is correct you are almost to onderland. I am a fellow jogger. Who knew I would love it. Still learning how to fuel my bariatric body for longer run's.

@@CowgirlJane

You have been one of my biggest mentor's and all around hero on BariatricPal. Distancing those relationships is a healthy thing. the too thin comment's are still strange to me. You owe no one an apology for you're success. you have rocked this!