6 month surgiversary - time to share

[shanfries 18]

I don't post here much, though I do check in quite a bit to see what others are and have experienced during their journey. Lately I have seen a number of people "on the fence" about whether or not to go through with WLS, so I thought I would share my story in hopes it will help make the decision easier and / or more informed. This is a personal decision and the journey is different for everyone.

I am a 5'4" 43 year old female and underwent the Gastric Sleeve surgery back in January 2021. I have struggled with my weight all if my life. I was always the "curvy" girl throughout my adolescent years. After having 2 kids, I weighed around 200 pounds. I went on every yo-yo diet you could think up. I had some successes, and lost and gained hundreds of pounds over the past 20 years. Each time I gained it back, I weighed more than when I started. Eventually I kind of gave up and "accepted" that I was never going to be at a healthy weight. I was tired, and sick and tired of the constant battle. I started having numerous health condition and was put on multiple medications. About a year and a half ago, I weighed around 240 pounds and was climbing. My doctors told me I needed to do something. In addition to the health issues, I was so depressed, that I was missing out on everything in life. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything, partially because I physically felt awful, partially because I didn't want anyone to see me.. Finally someone recommended WLS. I was shocked. I didn't even know it was an option for me. After doing a lot of homework, and meeting with several doctors I decided to do it. It was time to take my life back. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered my insurance would not cover it. Long story short, I was able to work it out so that I could still do the surgery as a "self pay". I knew it would be a small price to pay for a better quality of life. Because I wasn't going through insurance I didn't have all of the hoops to jump through. So I was scheduled fairly quickly. And due to Covid I was cancelled. And then cancelled again. Finally in January I had the procedure done. Other than having to have a hernia repaired, I had zero complications. Six months later I am down to a much healthier 140 pounds. I have never been happier and healthier.

Yes, it has been a rough road. This is not an easy or "magic" fix. The recovery was painful. I dont eat sugar, or bread or Pasta or a number of other foods I love. I can't "chug" Water like I used to. My portion sizes are quite small. I am very uncomfortable if I "over eat" or drink. I had multiple stalls and got discouraged. I don't go out to restaurant's much. My hair fell out for about 3 months. I have to take Vitamins every day. I had several "what have I done" moments along the way.

But I know now that it was the best decision I have ever made. I don't have to take ANY medications anymore. I have so much energy, and I live a full and happy life. Oh and I got to buy an amazing new size 6 wardrobe! My husband tells me I am a completely different person, physically, and emotionally. My only regret is not doing this years ago. Someone asked me the other day "how long do you have to do this for?" and my answer was "forever". This is not something I am "doing", this is a life long commitment. I am never going back to where I was. If you go into it with a mindset that this is temporary then not only are you going to be disappointed, but you will likely be one of those people that gains it all back in a few years.

I am posting a couple of pictures as inspiration of what is possible. I know I scoured the internet for before and after shots every time I felt discouraged or needed some extra motivation. If anyone has questions they want to ask feel free to message me! I don't know it all or have all the answers I can only tell you about my personal experiences.    

Sent from my SM-N976U using BariatricPal mobile app

[learn2cook 501]

Thanks so much for sharing! You look younger and happier.

[Butterflyeffect 122]

Hi shanfries, you look amazing and sound like you’re so much happier, congratulations on a huge achievement!!

Your story is very similar to mine, in that I’ve always been on the bigger side and while I have no regrets about having the surgery, I am currently losing a lot of hair. I still have a way to go so it’s very inspirational to hear about your journey and how much happier you are now, thank you for sharing!!

[GreenTealael 24,905]

You look fantastic! Congratulations

[Luna Girl 307]

You look years younger! Thank you so much for sharing! Congrats!

[Elahnen 183]

Thank you for sharing and being such an inspiration! I can’t believe the amazing transformation!

[STLoser 1,086]

Congratulations on your amazing success! You look beautiful, and have gorgeous blue eyes!

Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

[Rara 26]

Excellent!!

[Jaye W 218]

Great job! You should be proud!

[vikingbeast 985]

Thank you for this! You're close in age to me and you look like you got 10 years younger... here's hoping!

[nsantiago68 0]

Awesome congratulations!

[planham 3]

Beautiful

[ShoppGirl 3,423]

Congratulations