EmpoweredOne
10 week Post Op Update
Dec 22, 2014
MY STORY
Starting weight: 304.5 (home scale)/ 306 (dr's scale)
Surgery Date 10/8: 291.0
Current Weight: 257.4 (10 weeks post op)
Total loss to date: -47.1 lbs
So sorry for the delay in sharing my story. I have truly benefitted from reading all of your stories. Thanks so much for sharing. I like many of you have struggled with my weight most of my life. I was 9lbs at birth, a normal size child, a chubby teenager and an obese college student. My weight has ranged anywhere from 217 to 280 lbs since college. I have lost as much as 60 lbs naturally at least 3 times in my adult lifetime. My decision to have VSG was based on my desire to get off the rollercoaster and lose the weight once and for all. This after trying EVERY DIET under the sun. The dollars that I have spent on weight loss would be considered a small fortune for most Americans. I attempted to get approved for the VSG two years ago but was denied by my insurance company because I did not have any pre-morbid conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc. I am so grateful that I do not have any of those ailments but the goal is to avoid getting them. After hitting over 300lbs (304.5) earlier this year (2014) I started researching my options for paying for the surgery out of pocket. Through several referrals from friends and tons of research I landed on a local doctor and scheduled my orientation and ultimately my pre-surgery appointments (i.e. psych eval, blood work, etc.) I started my Pre-op diet on 9/23 at 304.5lbs (306 dr's scale). I lost 13.5lbs during that time. On 10/8, the day of surgery, I weighed 291lbs. My surgery was complication free. However, due to terrible gas discomfort and my inability to keep anything (including water) down after surgery I had to stay in the hospital for 2.5 days versus the originally planned 1 day. I have to admit that I had some MAJOR regrets during those first few days like, "Why the heck did have this surgery?" Those feelings quickly disappeared as I regained my strength and my stomach began to heal. 10 weeks later, I would do it all over again. In fact, I wish I had the surgery 10 years sooner!
Diet
My current diet consists of 5 small meals a day. I am still average between 500 - 600 calories per day. 45 grams of protein. I am working on increasing both of those numbers. I am currently eating mainly vegetables, fruit and lean meats along with greek yogurt and protein shakes (GNC Lean Shake). I am not currently eating any sugar, processed carbs or fried foods. My stomach lets me know IMMEDIATELY when I have eaten the wrong thing. I have tried to taste something fried twice and my stomach rejected it with aggression!
I have been able to add both 2% Cheese, Nuts and light popcorn to my diet as well. During my 10 week post op doctor's appointment the dietician mentioned that I need to work on increasing my calories and protein grams. I will be working on that goal gradually within the next few weeks. She mentioned that my target should be 800 - 1000 calories and 75 grams of protein. However in hindsight, I am sure that I was not eating 75 grams of protein before surgery.
Exercise
On the day of surgery forward I began walking everyday. I have to admit that I was driven by the fear of bloodcots post surgery. I wear a FitBit everyday. I also have a FitBit Scale. Both are synced with My Fitness Pal. Additionally, I am connected to several friends on both FitBit and My Fitness Pal. They keep me motivated virtually. I usually average about 5,000 steps per day. Some days due to work demands I can only get in 3,000 steps while other days I have exceeded 10,000 steps. Right now my workouts have been very inconsistent. While I have been very organized with my diet, I have room for improvement with my workouts. My inconsistent work demands continue to be an issue for me. Work is one of the main reasons I got to over 300lbs to begin with; therefore, I am determined to conquer this challenge. Otherwise, my success will be hindered. While I am happy with my weight loss so far, I feel that I would be even further along with consistent cardio! One recent area of consistency has been a 30 day Squat Challenge. I just wrapped up Day 15 and I am still on track. I am up to 110 Squats in One Day!!!! Needless to say, I have come a loooooonnnnng way BABY!
Progress
My average weight loss is between a 1 - 3 lb loss per week. My starting clothing size was 22W. I can now wear an 18W on the bottom and as small as a 16W on top. My body fat percentage is down to 44.6% from 56%. I have lost inches all over. However, the most inches have come off my chest, waist/abs. My face is also noticeably thinner. My lower body has decreased but at a slower pace. I think increased cardio will help to address that.
Small Celebrations
- Down 2 sizes
- Shopping in my own closet - Getting back into some of the clothes already in my closet.
- Wearing my heels again - I started wearing flats because of the weight was putting pressure on my knees.
- Energy level is AMAZING