Hello all. I am three months in since my gastric sleeve surgery the end of July 2017 here in British Columbia. Started at 300 pounds before I began the pre-op program a year ago. Lost 60 before surgery and am down to 207 pounds as of today. Looking at some posts by others I think I am VERY lucky in how things have gone. The only two problems I have ongoing are heartburn and constipation that I need to really work at to keep things "moving along". As a reward to myself I treated myself to a week long cruise that I returned from two days ago. Now many folk may say that was asking for trouble with all the "free food" on a cruise but I actually found myself very disciplined and actually lost 2 pounds over the past week. Thought I would just pass along some of the observations that I have had since this journey began -- some expected; some not; some big; some little. In no particular order........

• At home I now fit in my bathtub :-) Much nicer to relax and have a soak after a long day, easier to get in and out too.
• My walking gets better and better every day and even on our "sea days" on the ship I managed to get in 12,000 plus steps per day (it was a big ship). One one tour day off the ship I walked just under 20,000 steps ....... I would have NEVER been able to do that a year ago-- I also have a foot injury that requires I use a cane.
• When I tell folk I am on a 'restricted diet' they sometimes comment that I look good and don't need to diet......oh if they only knew!
• Folk that haven't seen me in a while are quite startled; some even don't recognize me. A friend's husband picked me up at the airport when I returned from my trip and I had to stand right in front of him before he recognized me. My own brother was at the cashier next to me in our local grocery store and only recognized me when I spoke to the cashier.
• I fit (comfortably) in my airplane seat. No more "seat belt extender". This was so wonderful, when I clicked that seat belt on the plane the other day I could have wept with joy.
• I am going to have to splurge on new underwear. My granny panties have been the last of my big clothes that will need to be replaced. I could keep wearing them as no one saw them but right now the only thing holding them up is my slacks over top.
• Speaking of clothes I have gone from a size 26 to an 18 and even they are getting big. A few friends have recommended I shop at some of the second hand stores but I feel a need to treat myself to "new", even if it means buying from the cheaper outlets (like anything is really cheap) and if I then pass along some fairly new clothes after a few months it is all worth it,
• I felt comfortable enough to attend the "formal night" on the cruise ship where I dressed up a bit (well a bit for me anyway) and even had a portrait taken after dinner. I mean who can turn down lobster - even if I only at a bit of it.
• Most folk are very supportive when I do tell them of this year long journey and most have friends and family who have done it as well. Always interesting to hear their stories.
• On the down side I am still uncomfortable around "food-centric" events. We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving earlier this month and I turned down the invitation to a big family dinner. I knew that there would be eating and drinking starting from the afternoon into the evening and I just din't want to have to face that amount of food and comments from friends and family. I have to work on this I know as can't stay away for ever.

Just some observations I have seen over the past few months. Anyone else got any they have experienced I can look forward to??

Thanks for listening

Lesley Q

Hi Lesley, You sound like you are headed in the right direction. Go buy some new drawers woman!!!

Which cruise did you take?

I will be going on a 9 day cruise 4 months out from surgery. I have been sleeved for 3 days and doing ok - some gas pain and rumbling, a little tired. Just today I have managed 11/2 protein drinks and some vitamin water and broth - no picnic but managing.

What a lovely post -- good for you!!!!!

Hi Sosewsue61.

I took the Princess Lines cruise from Vancouver BC to Los Angeles, CA. Mostly considered a "repositioning" cruise where the boats head south for the winter. But the price was right. I did it on my own which some people consider strange but I'm not shy, love my solitude and met some wonderful people. I think a cruise for you four months out will be perfect. Just have to keep strong with those waiters who keep insisting on bringing you more food and drink. I had to explain a few times to folk at my table why I wasn't eating much but they all understood and often were a good support. There was always something on the menu I could order even if I had to eat around some items. Good luck with your journey!