Stronger1
1 Year Out!!! Happy Surgiversary to me!!
Dec 01, 2012
Hi everyone...I am not on ObesityHelp as much as I used to be, I hang out over at myfitnesspal a lot though...I'm StrongerNC if you want to friend me!! I just wanted to check in, because this site was a HUGE support to me for years before and even now after my surgery. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself!! I thought that I did not have the strength, or willpower, or nerve to ever do this, but I am so happy. I have not lost as fast or easily as some others, but as of today I am down 122 lbs, and I am overjoyed. I am so proud of myself. I have a goal to lose about 20 more lbs...and then my goal will be to maintain. I will never be "skinny"...and I'm ok with that. Just the fact that I can go shop in a 'regular' store, or not be afraid of folding chairs, or run up steps...those things make me happy.
Look, I'm no VSG superstar, but this is what I've learned along the way:
The VSG to me was the best choice for me, because losing this weight was not automatic after the first few months...you can still eat what you want. There's no dumping. You can cheat by just eating every hour. Or eating small portions of crap. It just cuts your portions. And you can handle a lot more at 3 mos...then at 6 mos...then at a year. So it takes changing your mindset, and some self control...so it's important to use those initial months to re-learn HOW to eat...this surgery alone will not do it for you. I still do not drink soda or alcohol, and I do not use straws or drink for 30 mins after a meal. I think success with VSG is 90% YOU making an effort every day to make good choices.
I've learned that for me, tracking my food (I use Myfitnesspal - LOVE that community) is CRUCIAL. It helps to keep you accountable and to have an idea of what a meal should actually look like. I don't measure all the time now, I can mostly eyeball it, but at times I still do. Exercise is VITAL. I started off with a goal of running...which I still do at times but I find it boring. I have started weightlifting/strength training...and I LOVE it. I love feeling strong. So when it comes to exercise...I do what makes me happy and keeps me consistent.
I've learned that no two VSGer's journey's are the same!! So use this site as support, but don't get discouraged when what others do doesn't work for you...try something else...and keep trying. Don't give up. Stalls will happen...but they always break, if you stay on plan.
So to all who are thinking about having the VSG...I say go for it. It is not the easy way out...you will sacrifice...but you gain soooo much more.
