Hi! I joined this forum a few weeks prior to my surgery. I actually found it on accident! Lol!

I have enjoyed reading the stories and the varying experiences and have definitely learned a lot.

I've been overweight for as long as I can remember, but I've been really comfortable with myself (or am I?). My lowest weight as an adult was when I graduated nursing school in 1988. I was in 150s! I have steadily gained weight over the years, and the highest weight I can recall is in 2004 after I had my second child when I weighed 253. I'm only 5ft tall.

My weight has gone up and down due to several failed dieting attempts. The lowest I can recall is 216. I have always thought I could do this on my own, and have entertained the idea of WLS on several occasions, but always end up changing my mind.

Last October I got a Fitbit and told myself if I did not lose a significant amount of weight by my birthday in April I would do the gastric sleeve. My weight in October was 243, and I think the lowest I went by April was 239. I walked almost every day! Participated in several challenges, absolutely enjoyed my Fitbit, but couldn't lose the weight.

So as I promised myself, I started the journey at around 240lbs. I finally got approved by my insurance and I was 225lbs the morning of surgery.

I went home on Tuesday afternoon and have been doing relatively well. My weight on Wednesday was 228, but I figured it was the IV fluids. I'm obsessed with my scale and I weigh every day, even when I'm not actively dieting. I know some people don't like this, but I'll probably continue doing it. This morning I weighed 219.6lbs! I look the same in the mirror but I'm still proud of myself. I did take before pictures the morning of surgery to have for comparison later.

I'm so glad I found this forum. It has been an inspiration.

I have been fortunate to have no vomiting, just a little nausea and dry heaving. I was worried about gas pains, but that hasn't happened. I basically only take the pain medication in the middle of the night, because when I sleep on the incision site it hurts. I am getting in my Protein via chocolate shakes and I'm drinking Water. I'm pretty well hydrated. I do sometimes get sick to my stomach a couple of times each day, but they resolve quickly.

I was so worried about the surgery but I'm so thankful everything went ok. I know I'm not out of the woods yet, as I'm only 6 days post op, but I'm trying to stay positive. I've been walking every morning in my neighborhood for 20-30 minutes since Thursday morning. I plan on returning to the gym soon to use the treadmill.(I've always had a gym membership!).

I'll keep in touch with my progress, and hopefully can post pictures soon.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats! Take measurements so you can track those when you may be stalled weight wise. Best of luck.