So, I am 17 days post op. I haven’t weighed myself since my first post op appointment. Surgery was 8/2 and post op was 8/7. Waiting for my phase change appointment next week when they weigh me. I just wanted to share the changes I’ve seen in my health in such a short time. I had annoying eczema on my elbows. That has completely healed. No more elbow itching. My ankles and feet are no longer swollen after my walk and the sciatic nerve that has been bothering me since March doesn’t exist. I know for a lot of us, maybe, I don’t want to offend anyone and assume, losing weight has been key. For me it has always been my health and increased energy. I am a black woman and most of the people on my mothers side of the family have diabetes. I’m terrified of getting diabetes, which prompted me to look into weight lose surgery. I feel great. The weight lost is an added bonus. My husband keeps telling me I have a fresh start, I recognize that. I am so excited about eating to live and not living to eat. Now, I can’t wait to get rid of these HBP pills.

Kay

What a great report !!!! I'm a slow loser,so I've been looking at the "non-scale victories" . Like you - my health has improved so much since this surgery - it's amazing !!! I was on the verge of diabetes,too ... now it's in the rear view mirror Congratulations to you !!!!! I hope you have many more years of good health !

Thank you Kathy. For me food has always been about culture. My family would fry and add bacon to everything. We make a fresh vegetable and add bacon. Trick myself into thinking it was healthy cause it was a vegetable. I went shopping to prepare for my puréed stage and made sure to buy low sodium and salt alternative. I’m really committed to a lifestyle change. I know it won’t be easy because I’ve eaten unhealthy most of my life, but I’m willing to put in the work.

I love hearing about the health improvements even more than the weight loss. Congrats!!!!!

Congratulations Kay.

As you've learned, the scale is not necessary to appreciate what you've lost. And gained.

I was too large (by far) to fit on a home scale, so weighing at home simply was not possible. So, all my milestones were not on the scale. As it turned out, even at my monthly appointments when I could weigh in my surgeon was not interested in my weight loss. His questions were about my health, my happiness, and my well being. He never brought up weight loss unless I did it.

Good luck,

Tek

Thanks Tek, that’s why my post wasn’t about weight loss.

So, I am 17 days post op. I haven’t weighed myself since my first post op appointment. Surgery was 8/2 and post op was 8/7. Waiting for my phase change appointment next week when they weigh me. I just wanted to share the changes I’ve seen in my health in such a short time. I had annoying eczema on my elbows. That has completely healed. No more elbow itching. My ankles and feet are no longer swollen after my walk and the sciatic nerve that has been bothering me since March doesn’t exist. I know for a lot of us, maybe, I don’t want to offend anyone and assume, losing weight has been key. For me it has always been my health and increased energy. I am a black woman and most of the people on my mothers side of the family have diabetes. I’m terrified of getting diabetes, which prompted me to look into weight lose surgery. I feel great. The weight lost is an added bonus. My husband keeps telling me I have a fresh start, I recognize that. I am so excited about eating to live and not living to eat. Now, I can’t wait to get rid of these HBP pills.

Kay

I love posts like this. Too many times people let the number on the scale dictate their moods and often we forget the wonderful advantages (both health and convenience things like fittng in an airplane seat) we get from the weightloss. It's a good reminder. Great post.

Yay Kay, that's wonderful!! I'm ready to get rid of this HBP pill too! LOL

I think changing food habits when there are cultural influences that add to the mix is challenging. My partner is Chinese and I can definitely see the cultural food influences there. As you change your food habits there will be new rituals to include supportive family and friends in, which isn't the same thing, but does help maintain that sense of community.

In our house part of this looks like going back to the roots of true Chinese cooking and identifying the things that we can incorporate which support our health goals. Chinese food is often medicinal within their culture, which is not something we think about when consuming our version of Chinese food in the US! It makes me wonder what other food traditions have roots in good foods for the body and soul, but have gotten obscured by other traditions as time has passed, you know?

I am so happy for you, Kay! What great changes. And I am thrilled to hear you have not been diagnosed with diabetes. Your efforts now will prevent that from happening. I am 60 yo and had my surgery on 7/31. My first post op check my BP meds were discontinued! My type 2 diabetes med was moved down to the lowest level and now my A1C is in normal range. This surgery is all about health for me (though I am enjoying the weight loss for sure...25 pounds lighter today and moving around I do feel lighter). Before you know it you will be off BP meds too. Cheers to health!