Clarevoyant

I drink wine regularly. I certainly can't drink as much as I used to but a couple days a week I will have a couple glasses of wine. Drinking and eating at the same time is still tough for me so I don't really risk overeating due to bad decisions after wine and just monitor calories.

Sounds like I may be in the minority but I was exhausted from about 4 weeks until 3-4 months. The most I could do was walk for exercise. I would come home from work and go straight to bed. By six weeks I could eat regular food but not much so still had protein shakes. I am not sure what made me turn the corner but I started having more and more energy and doing more rigorous exercise.

I was probably around 750-800 at that time. Now I'm about 1250 and am 1 year and 4 months out

Hate to say it but stay off the scale. Some people can handle the ups and downs without it impacting their mood but it doesn't sound like that's you. If you follow instructions the weight will come off but be patient. I am a year and four months out and moments like these are a distant memory!

I get questions about my passport. I hardly recognize me so I can understand why others don't!

My largest incision just did not want to heal. It was so annoying when I went back to work because it was exactly where my pants hit and ruined a couple pairs of pants as a result of the oozing.

Yeah, I found that to be annoying too. One thing that tended to work for me was to say "I had a big breakfast" or something along those lines. Even now I say, I prefer to eat small meals more often and just had a snack etc. It takes practice to say it with conviction in a way that is polite but firm in that it does not invite further conversation.

What would be your concern with eating with the group? For me the hardest part was the weird looks and comments about why I was eating so little but if they know about the surgery then it's easy to explain. If you are just nervous about how you'll do with trying new things and would be more comfortable doing that privately, I would not be too concerned. To me the biggest risk is that you would be distracted by the social interactions and when not paying attention you could overdo it so would suggest measuring what you put on your plate to eliminate that risk. Vigilance is key, especially in the beginning.

I feel like my hunger returned fairly quickly-few weeks-but all I needed was a couple bites to feel satisfied.

This week was my one year anniversary. It is amazing how much my life has changed in a year. For anyone on the fence about getting this surgery as I had been for years, I will say my only regret is that I did not do it sooner. I have lost over 100 pounds from my heaviest. For the last three months I have stabilized between 126 and 130 pounds. I workout regularly including a personal trainer, yoga, spinning and TRX. I have so much more energy and can do things I never would have thought I could do. People constantly refer to me as skinny which blows my mind. I can pretty much wear any clothes I want, and I have gone from a size 22 at my heaviest to a size 6 and even a 4 in some clothes. I do have loose skin on my stomach, arms and thighs although when dressed it is not noticeable at all. Having been heavy for so long this was to be expected but I will take that over fat any day of the week. This was not easy but the struggle of the first few months is completely forgotten. I re-read some of my posts to remind myself of just how hard it was because to be honest that is completely in the rear view mirror. For those that have recently had surgery and are going through the pain, lack of energy, inability to eat and drink like a normal person etc, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Today I can eat anything I want just in smaller quantities. I make good choices most of the time but do not deprive myself. I can eat one slice of pizza (maybe only 1/2 the crust) and be totally satisfied, any more would be uncomfortable. I do not eat it often but if I am at a friends and pizza is being ordered I will eat it along with everyone else. I weigh myself everyday to remain accountable. I still have smoothies a couple times a week as it is easy and keeps me on plan. Sorry this is so long but wanted to share my experience as I found it so helpful to hear from others.

So I went to buy the pants and in a few styles am actually a size 4. I am literally in shock right now.

I had thought I had pretty much stabilized but started weight training and have dropped about 15 more pounds. Therefore I now only have ONE pair of work pants that fit and am going this weekend to buy size 6! Pants. I honestly never imagined I'd be here and am beyond thrilled. In addition the Size medium Tory Burch belt I bought myself as a reward (rather than a food reward) and need more than ever to keep my pants up is on its last hole.

I waited at least two months to ensure stomach fully healed. Lots of kernels and tiny bits that can get stuck in the incision line.

I promise you it gets better! I felt the same way and still have a moment here or there but am at the stage that I can eat anything I want, just limited quantities. And because the real estate is small I make much better decisions. I do still have things I enjoy but appreciate it so much more. Nothing is completely off limit to me.

That's awesome! I'm going to Bermuda