I began my weight loss journey 1 year ago. It started because my amazing sister was preparing for gastric bypass surgery and she inspired me to be healthier as well. She lost over 100 pounds from pre-op to post op. Her surgery was around February of this year.

I started with premier protein shakes once a day during my lunch period at work instead of eating. My sister was my biggest inspiration to remain strong.

I am a mother and a wife and I have a full time job 40+ hour per week job.

For the first 6 months I did one shake a day. For the last 6 months I've done 2 premier protein shakes per day and dinner at night and eating regularly on weekends. My pre op diet has been just shakes and one small meal at night of protein and vegetables every day of the week.

I have been doing assisted weight loss for the last 6 months do get the approval through my insurance. Now I am approved and my gastric sleeve scheduled for September 12th. This has been an incredible experience.

I always hoped that I'd get to share it with my sister who inspired me to begin this in the first place.

She died on May 5th from a heart condition she didn't know she had called cardiomyopathy.

They thought her heart had been large before the surgery because she was fat and it was making her heart work harder because of her weight and the surgery would fix the problem.

Her weight wasn't the problem, though, and it was too late for them to go back and figure that out because she died at night in her sleep with no warning months later. She was 33. She had worked so hard for her weight loss and was doing amazing and was finally happy. She went on a 10 mile hike the week before.

I have so much support at work and at home but it just breaks my heart that she won't see my success as well that was begun because of her.

I have overcome so much in these last few months and I have so much strength and determination to succeed and I know I will for myself and for my family.

I am proud of myself for coming so far despite the challenges.

My surgery is this Wednesday and I have 3 days scheduled off of work to take a rest plus the weekend and I will be going back the following Monday permitted I feel up to it.

That being said, has anyone had to deal with a loss like this during this transition and what helped you?

Also, for those that have returned to work pretty soon after surgery, what were the things that you would recommend to make life easier?

My job is sedentary and I am mainly at a desk all day but I will have the ability to walk freely as needed for the necessary circulation 15 minutes every 2-3 hours.

I have prepared for the post op by pre-purchasing a TON of broth and no sugar/low calorie gatorade and drink mixes. I bought a soft no underwire bra and I bought a box of decaf tea bags and I have a large pack of waters and some sugar free jellos and popsicles.

I'm mentally prepared and have been following a strict diet for a very long time so I don't believe it will be too hard for me because of my will power.

I plan on taking as many hot baths as I can this weekend before I won't be able to for a long time!

If anyone has any advice or tips for the beginning post op phase to remember anything will be appreciated. I thought I was going to have her to guide me through this.

Edited September 8, 20187 yr by Tararotha

Hello and welcome.

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your sister, how devastating for your family. You've been through a lot and are quite resilient. I am still pre-op and my date is not for five weeks so I am not in a position to offer any advice or tips. I wish you well for the 12 Sept, it's not that far away, I imagine you are quite excited and a little nervous at the same time.

3 minutes ago, 2shea said:

Hello and welcome.

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your sister, how devastating for your family. You've been through a lot and are quite resilient. I am still pre-op and my date is not for five weeks so I am not in a position to offer any advice or tips. I wish you well for the 12 Sept, it's not that far away, I imagine you are quite excited and a little nervous at the same time.

Thank you, it has been very difficult.

5 weeks goes by so quickly and I also wish you the best!

I am very nervous but excited to begin this journey finally after having prepared for it for so long.

9 hours ago, Tararotha said:

I began my weight loss journey 1 year ago. It started because my amazing sister was preparing for gastric bypass surgery and she inspired me to be healthier as well. She lost over 100 pounds from pre-op to post op. Her surgery was around February of this year.

I started with Premier Protein shakes once a day during my lunch period at work instead of eating. My sister was my biggest inspiration to remain strong.

I am a mother and a wife and I have a full time job 40+ hour per week job.

For the first 6 months I did one shake a day. For the last 6 months I've done 2 premier Protein Shakes per day and dinner at night and eating regularly on weekends. My pre op diet has been just shakes and one small meal at night of Protein and vegetables every day of the week.

I have been doing assisted weight loss for the last 6 months do get the approval through my insurance. Now I am approved and my gastric sleeve scheduled for September 12th. This has been an incredible experience.

I always hoped that I'd get to share it with my sister who inspired me to begin this in the first place.

She died on May 5th from a heart condition she didn't know she had called cardiomyopathy.

They thought her heart had been large before the surgery because she was fat and it was making her heart work harder because of her weight and the surgery would fix the problem.

Her weight wasn't the problem, though, and it was too late for them to go back and figure that out because she died at night in her sleep with no warning months later. She was 33. She had worked so hard for her weight loss and was doing amazing and was finally happy. She went on a 10 mile hike the week before.

I have so much support at work and at home but it just breaks my heart that she won't see my success as well that was begun because of her.

I have overcome so much in these last few months and I have so much strength and determination to succeed and I know I will for myself and for my family.

I am proud of myself for coming so far despite the challenges.

My surgery is this Wednesday and I have 3 days scheduled off of work to take a rest plus the weekend and I will be going back the following Monday permitted I feel up to it.

That being said, has anyone had to deal with a loss like this during this transition and what helped you?

Also, for those that have returned to work pretty soon after surgery, what were the things that you would recommend to make life easier?

My job is sedentary and I am mainly at a desk all day but I will have the ability to walk freely as needed for the necessary circulation 15 minutes every 2-3 hours.

I have prepared for the post op by pre-purchasing a TON of broth and no sugar/low calorie gatorade and drink mixes. I bought a soft no underwire bra and I bought a box of decaf tea bags and I have a large pack of waters and some sugar free jellos and popsicles.

I'm mentally prepared and have been following a strict diet for a very long time so I don't believe it will be too hard for me because of my will power.

I plan on taking as many hot baths as I can this weekend before I won't be able to for a long time!

If anyone has any advice or tips for the beginning post op phase to remember anything will be appreciated. I thought I was going to have her to guide me through this.

I am sorry for your loss. I bet your sister will be there will you, cheering you on- even if you can't see her.

I am sorry for your loss. I bet your sister will be there will you, cheering you on- even if you can't see her.

Thank you. I really hope so. It's so hard looking a picture of her. You can see her beautiful spirit behind her eyes and it makes you feel like you could just run into the next room and she'd be there to tell her everything or just hold her hand but then you remember you can't anymore. I do pray she is happy and proud. [emoji4]

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So sorry for your loss. Sounds like you are both mentally and physically prepared.

I took 2 weeks off from work & just went back on Thursday. Even though I have a desk job also I wasn't able to last 8 hours. Hopefully by this coming Wednesday I will be able to.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

I'm so sorry for your loss, but it sounds like you have a strong support system and I believe that is key..
I had my surgery 8/20 and returned to work the following Monday. I managed 6 - 8 hour working days. It was rough the first 3 back to work, but it eased up as I got back into a rhythm.
Just remember post surgery...walk walk walk and drink drink drink. It took me 2-3 hrs to get my protein in initially and I felt like I was drinking all day. Just keep up on your fluids no matter how much you dislike. It's really the key to your initial recovery.
Remember we are all here to help you, reach out anytime.

I also am saddened by,your loss, I had a son die suddenly at 31, he died of an aortic dissection but he also had undiagnosed cardiomegaly, we found out a lot from,his autopsy. And he also was strong and athletic. Been 10 and half years, still miss him dearly. Do your weight loss surgery as an memorial to your sister, yo7 know she wanted you to have it. And I would,love to think a portion of her spirit lives on in you. incedently,i just had my surgery September 5th and am still recovering. ?prayers for you now and in the future.

So sorry for your loss. Sounds like you are both mentally and physically prepared.
I took 2 weeks off from work & just went back on Thursday. Even though I have a desk job also I wasn't able to last 8 hours. Hopefully by this coming Wednesday I will be able to.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

thank you! you as well!

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You're welcome and thank you.

I'm so sorry for your loss, but it sounds like you have a strong support system and I believe that is key..
I had my surgery 8/20 and returned to work the following Monday. I managed 6 - 8 hour working days. It was rough the first 3 back to work, but it eased up as I got back into a rhythm.
Just remember post surgery...walk walk walk and drink drink drink. It took me 2-3 hrs to get my protein in initially and I felt like I was drinking all day. Just keep up on your fluids no matter how much you dislike. It's really the key to your initial recovery.
Remember we are all here to help you, reach out anytime.

Yes, i have heard it is very difficult at first because you can't drink very much initially. Was there anything special you packed for work that made the transition easier? My doctor suggested i freeze my pre made protein drink and let it defrost for lunch since i don't have a fridge at work for my milk to mix it fresh during lunch.

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I also am saddened by,your loss, I had a son die suddenly at 31, he died of an aortic dissection but he also had undiagnosed cardiomegaly, we found out a lot from,his autopsy. And he also was strong and athletic. Been 10 and half years, still miss him dearly. Do your weight loss surgery as an memorial to your sister, yo7 know she wanted you to have it. And I would,love to think a portion of her spirit lives on in you. incedently,i just had my surgery September 5th and am still recovering. [emoji120]prayers for you now and in the future.

Thank you. I'm sorry you lost your baby. It was my sister It hurts so much but I couldn't imagine the loss of a child. It's so hard to comprehend when there is no illness preceding it. You don't get the chance to say goodbye or face the possibility like you would with an illness that you knew about. Prayers for you and your recovery as well, let me know how it's going! Thank you for sharing that with me.

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Sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You are so inspiring.
Just some advice since I’m post op day 3...get a heating compress. It has helped me so much. Make sure you get anti nausea meds prior to the surgery and after. I have lavender and peppermint essential oils to help me relax and make my pillows smell good. Oh yeah, a lot of pillows. I made sure to buy a king size pillow and took it to the hospital. It has helped me a whole lot. I have like 10 pillows on my bed lol ?
I also bought some rose water toner spray to spritz on my face for a little pick me up. Those little extra things have helped me. Take care!!!

Sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You are so inspiring.
Just some advice since I’m post op day 3...get a heating compress. It has helped me so much. Make sure you get anti nausea meds prior to the surgery and after. I have lavender and peppermint essential oils to help me relax and make my pillows smell good. Oh yeah, a lot of pillows. I made sure to buy a king size pillow and took it to the hospital. It has helped me a whole lot. I have like 10 pillows on my bed lol [emoji38]
I also bought some rose Water toner spray to spritz on my face for a little pick me up. Those little extra things have helped me. Take care!!!

Thank you. Ok, that's great advice and I never thought about that. a heating compress sounds like a good idea. I can get the oils from sprouts i think. As for the nausea, yea, i had hyper emesis gravidarium with both of my pregnancies (condition that makes you throw up the entire pregnancy) i made sure they prescribed me lots of the nausea one lol. If there's one thing i hate it's throwing up because i did it for so long before. Hopefully these tips and the medication will make that less of a worry for us both! Congrats on your procedure and glad you're doing well.

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I'm so sorry for your loss. I had surgery about 9 months after my husbands death. It was hard to deal with both the grief and the weight loss surgery. I think emotionally the weight loss, surgery, etc has been harder for me because of this. But I also think that it's been a bit of a distraction from the grieving. I'm much more introspective now. And overall I think it's been a positive if difficult journey. I'm trying to adopt some of his more positive traits as a testament to him. Grieving is a time consuming and consuming process. But overall I think distracting yourself from the pain isn't necessarily a bad thing. I wish you the best of luck through your journey.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I had surgery about 9 months after my husbands death. It was hard to deal with both the grief and the weight loss surgery. I think emotionally the weight loss, surgery, etc has been harder for me because of this. But I also think that it's been a bit of a distraction from the grieving. I'm much more introspective now. And overall I think it's been a positive if difficult journey. I'm trying to adopt some of his more positive traits as a testament to him. Grieving is a time consuming and consuming process. But overall I think distracting yourself from the pain isn't necessarily a bad thing. I wish you the best of luck through your journey.

I'm sorry you lost your love. You're right, it is extremely hard to do these things when experiencing grief. Whenever I feel like slipping I think that eating something to make myself feel better would be like putting a tiny band aid on a large open wound. It's not going to solve the problem and may very well make it worse. The emotional pain is a lot. Life is hard but we owe it to ourselves and to our loved ones to continue on and be strong. I hope you've had great success with this and are doing well.

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